Gastrointestinal parasitism in the jaguarundi (roundworms)

What is it?

The jaguarundi is a small wild cat from the Americas, sometimes housed in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. Like other felids, it can harbour roundworms (nematodes) in its digestive tract. The most common are ascarids (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.). These parasites live in the intestine, feed at the animal's expense and can disrupt digestion. Infestation is very common in young animals and in captive individuals with repeated contact with contaminated soil or prey.

In the wild, the jaguarundi becomes infected by hunting rodents or birds carrying larvae. In captivity, infection occurs mainly through ingestion of eggs present in the environment or through poorly monitored raw meat.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

Infestation is caused by intestinal nematodes, mainly ascarids (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.). These worms lay eggs eliminated in faeces, which become infective in the external environment after a maturation period. The animal becomes infected by ingesting these eggs (soiled soil, dirty fur, prey) or, for hookworms, by active penetration of larvae through the skin. Transmission can also occur from mother to young via milk or during gestation.

Young animals face the greatest risk because their immune system is still developing. Captive conditions with difficult-to-disinfect flooring, high animal density, poor enclosure hygiene, unmonitored raw meat or prey consumption, and repeated exposure to feces all increase the risk. Stress or concurrent illness also favors the development of infestation.

Transmission

Transmission occurs through ingestion of eggs present in contaminated environment, through consumption of contaminated prey or raw meat, through skin penetration by hookworm larvae, or from mother to young during gestation or nursing.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Treatment

Treatment involves broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs effective against roundworms, prescribed and dosed by the veterinarian based on the animal's weight and condition. Supportive care may be given in cases of dehydration or marked anemia, such as fluid replacement or nutritional support. The treatment protocol is often repeated after several weeks to eliminate larvae that may have survived the initial treatment.

Prevention

Possible complications

Untreated heavy infestation can cause severe anemia from intestinal blood loss, significant growth delay in young animals, intestinal blockage if parasite load is very high, and general weakness that increases susceptibility to other infections. In very young animals, the outcome can be serious if parasitism is not addressed promptly.

When to see a veterinarian

Transmission to humans

Some of these worms, particularly roundworms and hookworms, pose a zoonotic risk. Accidental ingestion of roundworm eggs by humans can lead to larval migration in tissues (visceral larva migrans), and skin contact with hookworm larvae can cause cutaneous larva migrans. The risk mainly affects caregivers and people in direct contact with enclosures or feces. Hand washing and wearing gloves when cleaning enclosures reduce this risk.

Prognosis

The prognosis is generally good when infestation is detected and treated early. Adult animals in good general condition usually recover without complications after appropriate treatment. The prognosis is more guarded in very young animals with heavy infestations, where complications such as anemia or dehydration can be life-threatening without prompt care.

Frequently asked questions

References

ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites

WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)

CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 02 September 2026