Characterization of Culicoides and mosquito fauna at the National Zoological Garden of Rabat, Morocco.

Zoos are considering to be essential places for the conservation of wild animal species. It is essential to prevent their infection by pathogens especially for those belonging to threatened or extinct species. Zoo captive animals are susceptible to several Culicoides and mosquito borne-viruses.

A survey on ectoparasites in captive mammals at Rabat zoo in Morocco.

Investigating the abundance and diversity of ectoparasites in captive animals is of relevance for improving their well-being and health management. Since little is known about the ectoparasites of zoo mammals in Morocco, a survey was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022 during which 16 individuals belonging to 14 mammal species were examined for arthropod parasites at the Rabat Zoological Garden. Ectoparasites were directly collected from the skin and fur and analyzed microscopically.