Gastrointestinal parasites in rats and their relationship to some elements of the environment and management practices in biotheriums
Keywords:
Gastrointestinal parasites, Rats, Laboratory animal facilities, Environment, Husbandry practicesAbstract
In order to identify the relations between endoparasite infections in rat colonies and animal housing environment and husbandry practices, a descriptive research was carried out, in six laboratory animals facilities in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the first semester of 1998. A survey was administered to a qualified personnel and was verified by a specialist professional. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was higher in the laboratory animal facilities without environmental control, feed storage and insects and rodents control. The microenvironment has: non sterilised bedding, enough bedding changes and space per animal. They do not have specific cages, parasites and feed monitoring.