Prevalence of helminth parasites in free-range chickens from selected rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa

A total of 79 chickens were randomly collected from 4 rural localities and processed to detect the presence of helminth parasites and their prevalences. Sixteen helminth species comprising 12 nematode and 4 cestode species were recorded from the 4 localities. Syngamus trachea and Cyathostoma spp. were the only helminth species recovered from the respiratory tract and the rest of the helminth species were from the gastrointestinal tract. The most prevalent nematode species across the 4 localities were Heterakis gallinarum (prevalence range 80-94.4%), Gongylonema ingluvicola (43.3-867%), Tetrameres american (53.3-66.7%) and Ascaridia galli (22.2-43.8%) and for cestode species, Raillietina tetragona (16.7-40%) and Skrijabinia cesticillus (3.3-13.3%) were the most prevalent in that order. Heterakis gallinarum and T americana had the highest intensity of infection in chickens across all the rural areas compared with other helminth species. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed in the sex distribution for As. galli, Baruscapillaria obsignata (syn. Capillaria obsignata), Eucoleus annulatus (syn. Capillaria annulata), Eucoleus contortus (syn. Capillaria contorta) and Subulura suctoria among the 4 rural areas. However, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the intensity of infection of both males and females for H. gallinarum and T americana across the 4 localities studied. Tetrameres americana, A. galli, C. obsignata and C. annulata had prevalence and number of females higher than that of males, while H. gallinarum showed the opposite. Prevalence of H. gallinarum and T. americana as determined by faecal egg count were much lower compared with the prevalence as determined by post mortem examination, confirming the limitation of using faecal samples in determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in chickens.     

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in different poultry production systems

A cross-sectional prevalence study of gastrointestinal helminths in Danish poultry production systems was conducted on 268 adult chickens selected at random from 16 farms in Denmark from October 1994 to October 1995. The trachea and the gastrointestinal tract of each bird was examined for the presence of helminths. In the free-range/organic systems the following helminths were found: Ascaridia galli (63.8%), Heterakis gallinarum (72.5%), Capillaria obsignata (53.6%), Capillaria anatis (31.9%) and Capillaria caudinflata (1.5%). In the deep-litter systems: A. galli (41.9%), H. gallinarum (19.4%) and C. obsignata (51.6%). In the battery cages: A. galli (5%) and Raillietina cesticillus or Choanotaenia infundibulum (3.3%). Exact identification of the cestodes was not possible because of missing scolexices. In the broiler/parent system: C. obsignata (1.6%), and finally for the backyard system: A. galli (37.5%) H. gallinarum (68.8%), C. obsignata (50.0%), C. anatis (56.3%) and C. caudinflata (6.3%). The results confirm the higher risk of helminth infections in free-range and backyard systems but prevalence may also be high in deep litter systems.     

Helminth parasites in the intestinal tract of indigenous poultry in parts of Kenya

A study was carried out on 456 indigenous poultry intestinal specimens from various towns in Kenya to determine the occurrence and distribution of helminth parasites in the intestinal tract of the birds. Of the specimens examined, 414 had parasites whereas the remaining 42 had none, which is an infection rate of 90.78%. The main species of helminths found in the intestines were Raillietina sp. (47.53%), Heterakis gallinarum (21.33%), Ascaridia galli (10.03%), Strongyloides avium (9.96%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (4.61%), Cotugnia digonopora (3.6%), Capillaria sp. (1.5%), Trichostrongylus tenius (1.04%) and Syngamus trachea (0.40%). Most helminths were present in both the mid- and hindguts. Syngamus trachea and C. digonopora were only found in the foregut and midgut, respectively. Although chickens from which the specimens were collected appeard healthy, the high prevalence of helminthiasis observed shows the poor level of helminth infection control practiced by the indigenous poultry keepers in the country, which might affect the health status of the birds and their growth rates. Poultry keepers should be encouraged to prevent, control and treat such cases.     

A Comparison of the Prevalence and Burdens of Helminth Infections in Growers and Adult Free-Range Chickens

Matched samples of 100 chickens of each of growers and adult rural free-range chickens in Morogoro, Tanzania, were purchased from the beginning to the end of the long rainy season. At necropsy, the trachea, the gastrointestinal tract and the oviduct were examined for helminth infections. The helminth species isolated comprised 18 nematodes and 8 cestodes but no trematodes. Tetrameres fissispina is a new record in Tanzania. All the chickens harboured at least three different helminth species. Growers contained 4–14 and adults 3–12 helminth species. The number of species isolated per chicken increased as the rainy season advanced. The prevalence of the following species were significantly higher in growers than in adults (p<0.05); Ascaridia galli (69% of growers, 29% of adults); Syngamus trachea (14%, 3%); Tetrameres americana (94%, 82%); Trichostrongylus tenuis (43%, 7%); Choanotaenia infundibulum (15%, 6%); Davainea proglottina (9%, 2%); and Raillietina tetragona (36%, 21%). Allodapa suctoria (3%, 20%) and Capillaria annulata (1%, 10%) had a significantly lower prevalence in growers than in adults (p<0.05). There were significantly higher worm burdens (p<0.05) in growers than in adults for A. galli, Capillaria caudinflata, R. tetragona, S. trachea, T. americana, T. fissispina and T. tenuis. Conversely, A. suctoria and C. annulata showed significantly higher worm burdens in adults (p<0.05). The sex of the chickens influenced the burdens of Heterakis brevispiculum (p<0.05). There was an interaction effect such that growing males and adult females had statistically higher (p<0.05) burdens of T. tenuis and A. suctoria, respectively.     

Ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens in the Goromonzi District in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens from the Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe. Fifty young and 50 adult birds were selected randomly. All chickens harboured ecto- and endoparasites, and 32% were infected with haemoparasites. Eight different ectoparasites were identified; the more prevalent ones had the following prevalences (young, %; adult, %): Argas persicus (6; 14), Cnemidocoptes mutans (6; 32), Echidnophaga gallinacea (72; 74), Goniocotes gallinae (0; 22), Menacanthus stramenius (90; 88) and Menopon gallinea (24; 66). The prevalences of C. mutans, G. gallinae and M. gallinae were higher in adults compared to young chickens. The mean (+/-S.D.) number of helminth species per chicken was 6.7+/-2.0 for young chickens and 6.4+/-2.0 for adult chickens with a range of 1-10 for young chickens and a range of 1-11 for adult chickens. The most prevalent nematodes identified were (with prevalence in % for young/adult birds): Allodapa suctoria (76; 72), Ascaridia galli (48; 24), Gongylonema ingluvicola (28; 56), Heterakis gallinarum (64; 62) and Tetrameres americana (70; 62). For cestodes the prevalences were: Amoebotaenia cuneata (60; 68), Hymenolepis spp. (62; 80), Raillietina echinobothrida (66; 34), Raillietina tetragona (94; 100) and Skrjabinia cesticillus (50; 76). The young chickens had higher prevalences of A. galli and R. echinobothrida compared to adults, but lower prevalence of G. ingluvicola and S. cesticillus. Eimeria spp. oocysts were isolated in 36% of 47 investigated samples. The prevalence was 47% for young chickens and 18% for adult chickens. Prevalences (in %) of haemoparasites in young and adult chickens were: Aegyptinella pullorum (7; 6), Leucocytozoon sabrazesi (3; 1), Plasmodium gallinaceum (8; 6) and Trypanosoma avium (2; 3).     

A survey of parasitic nematode infections of chickens in rural Zimbabwe.

A survey to determine the nematode species in rural chickens reared extensively was carried out in six districts of Zimbabwe. Two-hundred-and-seventy chickens were randomly collected from the districts and processed for helminth recovery. One genus and 10 species were identified from the gastrointestinal tract but no parasites were found in the respiratory tract and eyes. Skrjabinocerca sp., Capillaria obsignata, Capillaria contorta and Trichostrongylus tenuis are new records in Zimbabwe. Allodapa brumpti and Tetrameres americana were the most common species with a prevalence of 64.8% and 64.1%, respectively.     

Helminths in broiler geese fattened in runs

The occurrence of helminths in broiler geese was studied in the rapid-fattening technological system in 1974-1978. The birds were kept on grassy run adjacent to water. Helminthological examination was performed in 1065 broilers and the following 16 helminth species were revealed: Notocotylus attenuatus (0.3%), Apatemon gracilis (1.5%), Cotyrulus cornutus (0.1%), Hypoderaeum conoideum (0.1%), Retinometra longicirrosa (3.2%), Drepanidotaenia lanceolata (3.1%), Sobolevicanthus fragilis (0.7%), Diorchis stefanskii (0.8%), Microsomacanthus microsoma (0.9%), Dilepis undula (0.1%), Capillaria caudinflata (0.2%), Capillaria obsignata (7.7%), Amidostomum anseris (3.7%), Trichostrongylus tenuis (0.2%), Ganguleterakis dispar (16.8%), and Heterakis gallinarum (0.4%). Seven of these species were found for the first time in geese in Czechoslovakia (A. gracilis, C. cornutus, H. conoideum, M. microsoma, D. undula, C. caudinflata, and H. gallinarum). The species Dilepis undula has not been recorded in this host species ever before. The extensity and intensity of the invasions, the frequency of monoinvasions and mixed invasions, and the relation of invasion extensity and intensity to the age of the broilers examined were evaluated during the study.     

Helminth parasites of indigenous chickens in Oodi, Kgatleng District, Botswana

Thirteen adult indigenous chickens from Oodi, Kgatleng district, Botswana, were examined for helminth parasites. Two species of nematodes, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, and species of the cestode genus Raillietina, were recovered. A. galli and H. gallinarum were the most commonly seen parasites. The nematode A. galli occurred concurrently with Raillietina spp.     

Helminths of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Denmark

An epidemiological study of helminths in 1040 red foxes collected from various localities in Denmark during 1997-2002, revealed 21 helminth species at autopsy, including nine nematode species: Capillaria plica (prevalence 80.5%), Capillaria aerophila (74.1%), Crenosoma vulpis (17.4%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (48.6% from Northern Zealand (endemic area)), Toxocara canis (59.4%), Toxascaris leonina (0.6%), Uncinaria stenocephala (68.6%), Ancylostoma caninum (0.6%), and Trichuris vulpis (0.5%); seven cestodes: Mesocestoides sp. (35.6%), a number of Taeniid species (Taenia pisiformis, T. hydatigena, T. taeniaeformis, T. crassiceps, and unidentified Taenia spp.) (22.8%), and Echinococcus multilocularis (0.3%); four trematodes: Alaria alata (15.4%), Cryptocotyle lingua (23.8%), Pseudamphystomum truncatum (3.6% from Northern Zealand), and Echinochasmus perfoliatus (2.4% from Northern Zealand); one acanthocephalan: Polymorphus sp. (1.2%). Significant difference in prevalence was found for T. canis and A. vasorum according to host sex, and for T. canis, U. stenocephala, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia spp., A. alata, A. vasorum, and Capillaria spp. according to age groups (adult, young or cub). Prevalence and average worm intensity for each helminth species varied considerably according to geographical locality, season, and year. Aggregated distribution was found for several helminth species. The two species E. multilocularis and E. perfoliatus are first records for Denmark.     

Genetic resistance to natural helminth infections in two chicken layer lines

Groups of Lohmann Brown (LB) and Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) hens were reared under helminth-free conditions and kept afterwards together in a free range system. Mortality rate, body weight development, laying performance and faecal egg counts (FEC) were recorded during a 12 month laying period. At the end of the laying period, 246 LSL and 197 LB hens were necropsied and worms counted following the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines. In addition adult Heterakis gallinarum and Ascaridia galli were sexed and measured for length. Significant (P<0.01) differences were observed in mortality rates between LSL and LB animals (12.9 vs. 5.7%). LSL hens showed significantly (P<0.05) higher FEC when compared with LB hens at almost all dates of monitoring. Almost all animals became infected with at least one helminth species. The most prevalent species were H. gallinarum, Capillaria spp. and A. galli. LB hens showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher average number of adult H. gallinarum, Capillaria spp. and tapeworms when compared with LSL animals. However, number of adult A. galli was in tendency lower in these animals. In total, LB had a significantly (P<0.05) higher worm burden than LSL (192.3 vs. 94.3). The estimated heritabilities for total worm burden were 0.23 (SE±0.12) in LSL and 0.75 (SE±0.21) in LB, respectively. The number of all different helminth species were positively correlated. The sex ratio of H. gallinarum and A. galli and the average worm lengths were not significantly (P>0.05) different between the genotypes. There was no significant phenotypic correlation between body weight and worm burden in LSL, whereas it was the case in LB (r=0.17, P<0.05). Based on the estimated heritabilities it is possible to select for helminth resistance in both genotypes.     

Comparative studies of gastrointestinal helminths of poultry in Zaria, Nigeria.

Two-hundred and ten digestive tracts of local chickens reared in and around Zaria, Northern Nigeria, under the extensive native free range system of management and 203 digestive tracts of exotic chickens raised under the intensive system of management were examined for parasites. Two hundred and one (95.7%) of the local chickens were infected and 24 (11.8%) of the exotic chickens also. Among the local chickens, 12 species of nematodes and 7 species of cestodes were recovered. Only one nematode and one cestode species were recovered from the exotic chickens. The prevalence of helminth infections between local and exotic chickens was significantly different at 1%.     

Comparative efficacy of flubendazole and a commercially available herbal wormer against natural infections of Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and intestinal Capillaria spp. in chickens

The efficacy of a commercially available flubendazole-based product and a commercially available herbal product were compared against three species of helminth parasites of chickens: Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Capillaria spp. A total of 48 naturally infected chickens were used in the study with 16 birds in each of three treatment groups (untreated control; flubendazole; and a herbal product). One bird from each treatment group was necropsied on Day 0 prior to first treatment to confirm the parasite species present in the birds. Treatments were administered as labelled and the 45 remaining birds were necropsied on Day 12 and worm counts performed. Average worm counts in the two treated groups were compared to the untreated controls to calculate efficacy. Flubendazole (Group A) achieved an overall efficacy of 99.4% for the three parasite species. The herbal product (Group B) achieved efficacies ranging from less than zero to 11.6% for the three parasites, with worm counts not significantly different to the untreated controls. At present, commercially available herbal products claiming anthelmintic properties do not require licencing as veterinary medicinal products (Directive 2004/28/EC: see Article 17 and 33-38) and thus are not required to meet specific efficacy thresholds. Products which do not appear to deliver acceptable anthelmintic efficacy, are obviously a concern from many aspects but specifically from an animal welfare perspective.     

Effect of age, sex and season on the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) from Bursa Province, Turkey

The one-year study reported in this paper was carried out from April 2002 to March 2003 in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) of Bursa Province (Turkey) to determine the occurrence of helminth species and to evaluate the effect of host age, sex and season on their prevalence and intensity. A total of 100 (31 young and 69 adult) domestic pigeons were necropsied and examined. The results of necropsies revealed that 74 pigeons harboured helminth infections. Three helminth species were identified: Baruscapillaria obsignata (63%), Ascaridia columbae (42%) and Raillietina echinobothrida (1%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of B. obsignata and A. columbae by host age and sex. Significantly the highest prevalence rate of A. columbae was observed in the autumn months, but there was no significant difference in the seasonal prevalence of B. obsignata. The mean intensity of B. obsignata and A. columbae was higher in adults than in young pigeons but it did not differ significantly between the two sexes. The highest mean intensity rate of B. obsignata was observed in the autumn, while there was no significant difference for A. columbae with regard to season. From the data obtained in this study it can be concluded that in regions with similar climatic conditions as those in the present study area, pigeon breeders should be cautioned especially of B. obsignata and A. columbae infections of adult pigeons in the autumn months.     

Ivermectin in the treatment of helminthiasis in caged raised adult guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris galeata Pallas)

The treatment of natural infections of helminthiasis in caged raised guinea-fowls indicates a high efficacy of ivermectin in the elimination of infection due to both juvenile and adult stages of Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Subulura suctoria, Raillietina spp. and Capillaria caudinflata at dose levels of 0.07 mg/kg and 0.14 mg/kg per adult bird, subcutaneously administered. Guinea-fowls treated responded with no observable side effect and remained clean of any helminth infection for over 6 weeks. Discussion on the broad-spectrum and cost-effectiveness of the drug are briefly mentioned.     

Helminth parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana

Twelve adult domestic pigeons from Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana, were examined for the presence of helminth parasites. The cestode genus Raillietina and two species of nematodes, Dispharynx spiralis and Ascaridia columbae were recovered. Most pigeons (75 %) were infected with Raillietina spp. often in concurrence with A. columbae.     

Parasitic infections of the grey-breasted helmet guinea-fowl (Numida meleagris galeata) in Nigeria

The major helminth parasites found in wild, semi-wild and golden Sovereign stock guinea fowl were Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Capillaria caudinflata, Raillietina tetragona and R. echinobothrida, while Eimeria species was the most important gastro-intestinal protozoan parasite. The incidence of the latter was higher in the semi-wild stock than in the wild stock. Necropsy of dead guinea-fowl indicated that A. galli, H. gallinarum and Eimeria species were indeed responsible for their deaths, especially in the young birds. Parasites found in blood smears were Leucocytozoon sp., Plasmodium sp. and Aegyptianella pullorum. The only tick found, Argas persicus, was on a few semi-wild stock, while lice of genus Damalinia were found only on wild birds.     

日粮添加维生素A对肉鸡和蛋鸡生长性能及免疫功能的影响

试验研究了不同的维生素A(VA)添加水平对肉鸡和蛋鸡的生长性能及机体免疫功能的影响.试验选用1日龄的雌性蛋鸡和雌性肉鸡各270只,分别随机分成3个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复15只,分别饲喂含维生素A 0(对照)、4 000和20 000 IU/kg的日粮,饲养试验时间为84 d.试验结果表明,日粮添加维生素A为0 IU/kg处理的肉鸡和蛋鸡的采食最显著高于添加维生素A的各处理(P＜0.05);日粮维生素A添加水平对肉鸡和蛋鸡的免疫器官指数(胸腺指数、脾脏指数和法氏囊指数)无显著影响(P＞0.05);对照的肉鸡和蛋鸡异嗜粒细胞/淋巴细胞(H/L)高于其他处理(P＞0.05);肉鸡和蛋鸡绵羊红细胞(SRBC)抗体滴度和新城疫(ND)抗体滴度随着日粮维生素A添加水平的升高而升高;日粮添加4 000 IU/kg维生素A处理的肉鸡和蛋鸡钥孔戚血蓝蛋白(KLH)抗体滴度、白蛋白浓度和白介素-2(IL-2)的浓度最高.蛋鸡的免疫器官指数和血清白蛋白浓度显著高于肉鸡(P＜0.05);肉鸡和蛋鸡的其他免疫指标差异不显著(P＞0.05).综上所述,日粮添加4 000 IU/kg维生素A能提高肉鸡和蛋鸡的生长性能和免疫功能,当添加水平达到20 000 IU/kg时,可对生长性能和免疫机能产生不利影响.肉鸡和蛋鸡的主要免疫指标没有最著差异.     

Energy content of select dietary supplemental lipids for broilers,turkeys, and laying hens

Energy is an expensive component of poultry diets with lipids providing a concentrated energy source to meet these needs. Three separate experiments with broilers (15 d of age), turkeys (15 d of age) and laying hens (60 wk of age) were conducted to determine the AME_n content of 10 lipids with varying fatty acid and free fatty acid concentrations and to compare these values to predicted values based on previously published equations. A corn-soybean meal (broilers and turkeys) or corn-soybean meal-distillers dried grains with solubles (layers) control diet was formulated with test diets created by mixing the control diet with 0, 3, 6, or 9% (broilers and turkeys) or 0, 2, 4, and 6% (laying hens) lipid. Experimental diets were fed over a 5-d acclimation period followed by a 48 h total excretion collection period with AME_n of the diets calculated based upon the GE, nitrogen, and titanium dioxide in the feed and excreta samples. The pen-mean AME_n of each diet was regressed on percentage lipid inclusion level using linear regression with the slope of the line representing the AME_n of each lipid source. As expected, the AME_n values varied widely among lipid sources and species, with broilers having a greater AME compared to turkeys and layers. In general, saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0) were negatively correlated to AME_n while unsaturated fatty acids (namely C18:2) were positively correlated to AME_n. Consequently, the unsaturated: saturated ratio, the polyunsaturated fatty acids: saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids ratio, and iodine value tended to be positively related to AME_n. Compared to broilers and turkeys that were able to efficiently utilize energy from corn oil (purified and crude DDGS corn oil) relative to soybean oil, laying hen AME_n values for corn oils were reduced in comparison to soybean oil. These data indicate that energy values of lipid differ widely due to source and appear to differ relative to a particular species.     

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in domestic bison herds in northwestern Alberta

A fecal survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth eggs found in 431 domestic bison from 22 herds. Eggs detected (percent of herds affected in parentheses) were: strongyle-type (100%), Capillaria sp. (63.6%), Moniezia sp. (54.6%), Nematodirus sp. (50%), Trichuris sp. (40.9%), and Strongyloides sp. (9.1%).     

A pathologic study of wild turkeys in Connecticut

During the 1984 to 1986 spring hunting seasons in Connecticut, viscera from 300 hunter-killed wild turkeys and blood samples from live-trapped wild turkeys were examined in order to establish a health profile on the State's wild turkey population. Seven species of endoparasites were recovered from 224 (75%) of 300 birds: Metroliasthes lucida, Ascaridia dissimilis, Heterakis gallinarum, Syngamus trachea, Capillaria species, Trichomonas gallinarum, and Eimeria species. The most prevalent parasites were A. dissimilis (52%) and M. lucida (37%). Although some turkeys harbored high intensities of these two helminths, there were no associated gross or microscopic lesions nor body weight changes. The prevalence of S. trachea, H. gallinarum, Capillaria and Eimeria species, which are potential pathogenic parasites in domestic and wild turkeys, was very low (less than 3%). Blood samples from 19 live-trapped wild turkeys were negative for hemoprotozoa and antibodies to 15 common bacterial and viral agents. Serum samples from 82 birds were negative for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae. The survey indicates that the wild turkey population of Connecticut presently has little evidence of common infectious diseases and minimal prevalence of potentially pathogenic parasites.