Gastrointestinal parasitism of sitatunga (roundworms)
Gastrointestinal roundworm parasitism is a very common disease in the sitatunga, a semi-aquatic African antelope often housed in zoos or reserves.\n Microscopic roundworms (nematodes) settle in the stomach and intestines of the animal. They...
What is it?
Gastrointestinal roundworm parasitism is a very common disease in the sitatunga, a semi-aquatic African antelope often housed in zoos or reserves.\n
Microscopic roundworms (nematodes) settle in the stomach and intestines of the animal. They feed on blood or nutrients and cause progressive wear and tear on the animal's health.\n
This disease mainly affects young people, weakened animals or animals living in humid enclosures, an environment that the sitatunga particularly likes but which also favors the survival of parasites.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The signs are often discreet at first and then worsen with the number of parasites present.\n
We observe diarrhea or loose stools, hair that becomes dull and prickly, progressive weight loss despite an appetite sometimes retained at the start.\n
The animal may appear depressed, less active, and have a swollen or sunken belly depending on the case.\n
In severe forms, the mucous membranes (gums, around the eyes) turn pale, a sign of anemia, and young animals show marked growth retardation.\n
Sometimes adult worms are visible to the naked eye in fresh droppings.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Several families of nematodes (roundworms) may be involved: gastrointestinal strongyles, trichostrongyles, or even stomach worms close to those described in cattle and small ruminants.\n
These parasites have a life cycle which passes through the external environment: the eggs are emitted in the stools, evolve into larvae on the ground or in damp vegetation, then are swallowed by the animal during grazing.
The sitatunga lives naturally in swampy areas, a humid habitat that favors the survival and development of roundworm larvae.\n
In captivity, an enclosure that is overgrazed, poorly drained, or contains too many animals greatly increases the risk of contamination.\n
Young animals, females at the end of gestation or lactating, and individuals already weakened by another disease are more sensitive.\n
Stress linked to transport, a change of enclosure or cohabitation with other species can also promote the clinical expression of the disease.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian confirms the diagnosis by analyzing the stools (coproscopy) which makes it possible to count the parasite eggs and identify the families involved.\n
A blood test can be useful to assess the degree of anemia and the general condition of the animal.\n
In some cases, an autopsy or post-mortem examination on a deceased animal can confirm the extent of infestation in a group.
Treatment
Treatment is based on the administration of antiparasitics (wormers) belonging to different chemical families, chosen by the veterinarian according to the type of parasite identified.\n
Nutritional support and sometimes supplementation may accompany treatment to help the animal recover.\n
Environmental management (cleaning, rotation of enclosures) is an integral part of care to avoid rapid reinfestation.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is based on good management of the enclosure: avoiding overpopulation, ensuring good drainage of wet areas, and alternating grazing areas when possible to break the parasite cycle.\n
Regular collection of droppings limits soil contamination.\n
Regular parasite checks (stool analyses) make it possible to monitor the level of infestation in the herd and adapt antiparasitic treatments only when necessary, to avoid resistance.\n
Good nutrition, adapted to the needs of the species, strengthens the natural resistance of animals.
Possible complications
A massive, untreated infestation can lead to severe anemia, extreme weight loss, and general weakening making the animal vulnerable to other infections.\n
In young people, this can permanently compromise growth.\n
In the most serious cases, especially in already fragile animals, the outcome can be fatal.
When to see a veterinarian
Persistent diarrhea or abnormal stools for several days.\nVisible weight loss despite a preserved appetite.\nDull coat, depression or unusual drop in activity.\nPaleness of the gums or mucous membranes.\nRetardation in growth in a young sitatunga.\nPresence of worms visible in the droppings.
Prognosis
The prognosis is generally good if the disease is detected early and treated promptly, with good enclosure management to avoid relapses.\n
It becomes more reserved in young animals, pregnant females or already weakened subjects, in whom a severe infestation can have lasting or even fatal consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Is sitatunga gastrointestinal parasitism contagious to other animals in the park?
Roundworms are not transmitted by direct contact, but via the contaminated environment (soil, vegetation). Other ungulates sharing the same enclosure may therefore be exposed to the same larvae.
Can this disease be prevented without medication?
Good management of the enclosure (drainage, rotation of grazing areas, collection of droppings) greatly reduces the risk, but does not completely eliminate it. Regular veterinary monitoring remains recommended.
Are worms still visible in stool?
No, most of the time parasites are not visible to the naked eye. Only a stool analysis in the laboratory can detect them with certainty.
Does this disease only affect sitatunga in captivity?
No, wild sitatungas can also carry these parasites, but promiscuity and overpopulation in captivity increase the risk of severe infestation.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
FAO — Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026
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