Balantioides coli in other zoonotic parasites detected in noninvasive fecal samples of artiodactyls with emphasis on the bioinvasive in a state park in Brazil

Background: Over the years the mammalian fauna, including artiodactyls, has been decreasing and changing due to the entry of bioinvaders into Conservation Units, highlighting, the free-living pig, Sus scrofa, also called feral pig or wild boar. As it is an exotic animal, it is relevant to analyze the gastrointestinal parasites, highlighting those with zoonotic potential that may be infecting these animals and native artiodactyls. To expand this information, this study aims to evaluate the gastrointestinal parasites of artiodactyls in fecal samples collected in the Pedra Selada State Park and in its buffer zones in Rio de Janeiro.
Methodology/Main Findings: Between 2020 and 2021, 101 fecal samples were collected with morphology compatible with artiodactyls in different areas of the Park. All collection points were georeferenced and plotted on maps. Part of the fecal material was submitted to identification of the host species by means of macroscopic and molecular analysis from PCR with p...