Multiparasitism in Sapajus nigritus (Goldfuss 1809) (Primates: Cebidae) kept illegally in home captivity in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil – Case report

A young male of Sapajus nigritus (Goldfuss, 1809), received assistance at the veterinary clinic of the Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina - UNOESC after being rescued from irregular possession at home by the Environmental Military Police. During the general physical examination, the patient was dehydrated and very thin, with skin lesions, alopecia, generalized pruritus, and sinking of one of the eyes. Laboratory examination confirmed a case of multiparasitism. The fecal examination confirmed parasitism by three endoparasites, the protozoan Balantidium coli, a cestode of the family Anoplocephalidae, and a nematode of the genus Strongyloides. Ectoparasite search confirmed parasitism by Ctenocephalides felis and mites of the genus Cheyletiella. The treatment included therapy with albendazole and fipronil, drugs known to be effective. The report highlights the potential risk of the proximity between humans and non-human primates because of illegal possession of wild animals and prompts the discussion of information that benefits biodiversity conservation, veterinary medicine, and public health.