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.     

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.     

Cross-sectional survey on helminth infections of chickens in the Samsun region, Turkey

A cross-sectional survey was performed to determine the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections in 185 chickens from nine districts in the Samsun region, northern Turkey between July 1999 and June 2000. In total, 88% of 83 scavenging chickens and 4% of 52 layers from laying batteries were infected, but none of the 50 broilers harboured helminths in the alimentary tract or trachea. The difference in prevalence was statistically significant among broilers, layers from laying batteries and scavenging chickens. A total of 16 different species were detected. The helminth species found were: Davainea proglottina (23%), Raillietina echinobothrida (13%), Raillietina cesticillus (12%), Hymenolepis carioca (10%), Raillietina tetragona (6%), Choanotaenia. infundibulum (2%), Amoebotaenia cuneata (2%), Echinoparyhium recurvatum (1%), Echinostoma revolutum (1%), Heterakis gallinarum (29%), Ascaridia galli (16%), Capillaria caudinflata (12%), Capillaria retusa (6%), Capillaria bursata (4%), Capillaria annulata (1%) and Syngamus trachea (2%).     

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.     

Ivermectin in the control of helminthiasis in guinea fowl Numida meleagris galeata Pallas

Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris galeata Pallas) were treated with subcutaneous injection of Ivomec at dose rate of 0.14 mg/kg to control and reduce mortalities due to helminthiasis. Ten hours after treatment faecal droppings contained both adult and larval stages of Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Subulura suctoria and fragments of Raillietina spp. Recovery was found 48 hours later. Drug efficacy was 100%.     

Helminths of guineafowls in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Between July 2005 and November 2006 the gastro-intestinal helminths of 15 Helmeted guineafowls and a single Crested guineafowl from Musina, Limpopo Province were examined, and in July and August 2005 helminths were collected from five Helmeted guineafowls from Mokopane in the same province. The acanthocephalan Mediorhynchus gallinarum, the cestodes Abuladzugnia gutterae, Davainea nana, Hymenolepis cantaniana, Numidella numida, Octopetalum numida, Ortleppolepis multiuncinata, Porogynia paronai, Raillietina angusta, Raillietina pintneri, Raillietina steinhardti and Raillietina sp. and the nematodes Ascaridia numidae, Cyrnea parroti, Gongylonema congolense, Hadjelia truncata, Sicarius caudatus, Subulura dentigera, Subulura suctoria, Subulura sp., Tetrameres numida and an unidentified subulurid were recovered. A single trematode species, Dicrocoelium macrostomum, was present in the liver. Mediorhynchus gallinarum, A. gutterae, O. multiuncinata, H. truncata and S. caudatus are recorded for the first time from Helmeted guineafowls, as well as from South Africa. South Africa is a new geographic record for D. macrostomum, G. congolense and D. nana. Subulura suctoria, G. congolense and H. truncata from the Crested guineafowl constitute new host-parasite associations.     

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.     

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).     

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.     

Effect of Calea serrata Less. n-hexane extract on acetylcholinesterase of larvae ticks and brain Wistar rats

The stem bark of Acacia oxyphylla Graham ex Bentham is used as an anthelmintic by the natives of Mizoram (North-East India). Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of the active compound isolated from A. oxyphylla on the tegument of adult Raillietina echinobothrida and Ascaridia galli. The test parasites R. echinobothrida and A. galli were incubated in physiological buffered saline containing 0.0005, 0.001, 0.05, 0.1 and 1mg/ml of the isolated compound. The alterations in the tegument of the parasites post paralysis were examined using electron microscopes. The compound reduced the cestode's motility soon after incubation, but did not induce paralysis in the nematodes till about 11-14 h at highest concentration. The compound caused extensive digestion of cestode tegument as evident by electron microscopy. Disorganization of muscle bundles, loss of cell-cell contact, extreme vacuolization and oedema were some of the changes observed. Loss of cellular organelles combined with distortion of those present was markedly noted throughout the parasite tissue. Deformation and disorganization of epicuticle, disruption of mitochondrial and nuclear membrane were also observed in nematode exposed to the active compound of the plant. Substantial structural deformities in the treated parasites are indicative of an efficient vermicidal activity of the isolated compound against cestodes and nematodes.     

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.     

Dose-titration of fenbendazole in the treatment of poultry nematodiasis

Broiler chickens were fed ad libitum diets containing fenbendazole at various concentrations and durations for the removal of adult Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, and Capillaria obsignata. All regimens were 100% effective against A. galli. Fenbendazole at doses of 80 ppm for 3 days and 48 or 30 ppm for 5 days was 100% effective against H. gallinarum. C. obsignata was not removed completely by any regimen, but greater than or equal to 95% effectiveness was seen in birds given fenbendazole at doses of 80 ppm for 3 days and 48 ppm for 5 days. All medicated rations were readily consumed, and the treated birds exhibited no adverse reactions.     

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.     

Phosphatases in helminths: Effects of pH and various chemicals and anthelmintics on the enzyme activities

Phosphatases of four helminth species, Ascaridia galli, Centrorhynchus convi, Cotylophoron cotylophorum and Raillietina cesticillus have been analysed colorimetrically. The optimum pH for acid phosphatase activity was 5.4, 4.5, 4.7 and 5.0 in A. galli, C. convi, R. cesticillus and C. cotylophorum, respectively. The optimum pH for alkaline phosphatase activity was 9.1, 9.5, 8.7 and 8.4 in A. galli, C. corvi, R. cesticillus and C. cotylophorum, respectively. In A. galli and C. cotylophorum the acid phosphatase showed more activity than alkaline phosphatase, whereas the latter was more active in R. cesticillus and C. corvi.Effects of the various chemicals MgSO₄, CuSO₄, FeCl₃, KCN, NaF, sodium citrate, glycine and formaldehyde on the enzyme activities were studied. Variable degrees of inhibition of the enzyme activities were achieved following the addition of the anthelmintics Bilevon, Mansonil, Vermex, Zanil, Distodin and Carbon tetrachloride.     

Effect of parbendazole and piperazine adipate on the activity of some enzymes of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinae

Adult Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinae obtained from the fowl (Gallus gallus) were treated in vitro with 10(-2) to 10(-5) M parbendazole and piperazine adipate for 10-60 min at 38 degrees C. Both the compounds at 10(-2) M caused mortality of A. galli and H. gallinae after a maximum of 30 min exposure. The effect of the drugs on the homogenates of the treated worm was investigated. Parbendazole (10(-2) M) inhibited malate oxidation by 68% in A. galli and 62% in H. gallinae. Piperazine adipate (10(-2) M) inhibited malate oxidation by 78% in both parasites. In A. galli oxaloacetate reduction was inhibited by 41 and 26% by 10(-2) M parbendazole and piperazine adipate, respectively; with H. gallinae this inhibition was found to be 39 and 55%, respectively. Aldolase activity in both the parasites was also inhibited by 10(-2) M parbendazole and piperazine adipate. Both compounds caused an inhibition of acid phosphomonoesterase activity, but the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase were not affected significantly. Parbendazole (10(-2) M) had no significant effect on the cholinesterase activity of these parasites, but piperazine adipate (10(-2) M) caused an inhibition of 96% in A. galli and 93% in H. gallinae. The possible mode of action of the drugs is discussed.     

Diseases of indigenous chickens in Bokaa village, Kgatleng district, Botswana

This study examined flock size and management, level of internal and external parasite burden and seroprevalence of antibodies to poultry pathogens in indigenous chickens in Bokaa village, Kgatleng district, Botswana. The mean flock size was 22.6 +/- 6.85 with a range of 11-34. The mean body weights of cocks and hens were 2.28 +/- 0.56 kg and 1.70 +/- 0.38 kg, respectively. Housing and commercial poultry feed were not provided. Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Syngamus trachea were found in some birds. Although the chickens were not vaccinated against any poultry diseases, serum antibodies to Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease and infectious bronchitis were detected.     

Lipid metabolism and low molecular weight solute uptake in Ascaridia galli

Adult Ascaridia galli, an intestinal nematode parasite of fowl, reveals a large variety of complex lipids such as phospholipids containing choline, ethanolamine, inositol, serine and glycerol. Lysophospholipid species, vinyl ether phospholipid (plasmalogen), neutral acylglycerols, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids are also present. Sugar-containing lipids, such as cerebrosides, sulphatides and gangliosides are abundantly present. Female parasites contain more lipids, particularly acylglycerols and phospholipids. Acylglycerols, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine and glycolipids incorporate a large amount of radiolabelled precursor substrate in A. galli. The presence of important enzymes of lipid biosynthesis like glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and hydroxymethyl glutaryl-CoA reductase as well as an enzyme of lipid ester hydrolysis, triacylglycerol lipase is detected in the parasite. These enzymes show subcellular distribution patterns and Michaelis-Menten kinetic characteristics comparable with that from rat liver homogenate. Studies on the uptake of labelled precursor molecules for lipid biosynthesis, glucose, acetate and palmitate show that the parasites can take up the isotopes readily in a time-dependent manner, showing substrate saturation kinetics, dependence upon Na ions, and can be inhibited by the presence of the bile salts sodium cholate and sodium deoxycholate. The substrate affinity constant (Kt) and maximum apparent velocity of glucose uptake in A. galli were found to be 9.09 mM and 26.67 mM per 100 mg tissue dry weight per min at 37 degrees C.     

The effect of levamisole and albendazole on some enzymes of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinae

Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinae obtained from the common fowl Gallus gallus were exposed to 10(-2)-10(-5)M levamisole and albendazole; both compounds caused death of the parasites in vitro. The effect of the drugs was investigated on homogenates of the treated worms. Albendazole, at 10(-2)M, inhibited oxaloacetate reduction by 67 and 53% and malate oxidation by 21 and 17% in A. galli and H. gallinae, respectively, whereas 10(-4)M levamisole completely inhibited malate dehydrogenase activity in both directions in the two parasites. Lactate dehydrogenase was not affected significantly by either anthelmintic. Aldolase activity was diminished by 57 and 32% in A. galli and H. gallinae, respectively, with 10(-4)M levamisole. Levamisole at 10(-4)M also inhibited the activity of acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase and cholinesterase. Albendazole had no significant effect on these enzymes in either parasite. Malate dehydrogenase and cholinesterase activity of the host tissue (intestine and caecum) was also reduced significantly with 10(-2) and 10(-3)M levamisole. These studies indicated a multiple mode of action of levamisole and albendazole.