Parasitism due to Proatractis sp. in red-footed tortoise

Abstract

Tortoises are chelonians characterized by cylindrical and strong legs adapted to terrestrial life. These animals have gradually gained more space within the segment of wild animal pets. Parasitism is the relationship between living beings in which there is advantage to one species, parasite, and disadvantage to a greater or lesser degree to another, host. It may also be divided into endoparasitism or ectoparasitism if the parasite inhabits the interior of the host organism or only its outer surface, respectively. Atractidae is a family of endoparasites with direct cycle. Their eggs hatch in utero and third stage larvae are released. A male adult specimen of red-footed tortoise was treated in the Wild Animal Sector of the Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid. During the physical examination the animal defecated and when inspecting its feces it was possible to observe with the naked eye the presence of large quantity of small helminths. Samples were collected and analyzed in an electron microscope through the direct examination technique through which it was possible to identify the parasite.