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.     

Seasonal dynamics of the occurrence of parasites in the digestive tract in poultry]

The extensity of digestive tract infection with different parasites in domestic fowl kept on large and small farms was diagnosed in individual months of the years 1986-1989. The obtained results were confronted with the values of average monthly temperatures and rainfall sums in individual months of the above-mentioned period. The numbers of birds examined in individual months of the years 1986-1989 were as follows: 105 to 234 from large farms and 32 to 112 from small farms. The numbers of examined chicks from small farms were lowest in winter, and on the other hand highest in summer. The numbers of examined fowl from large farms varied from month to month. Particularly Coccidia (average extensity 12.1%), scarcely Heterakis gallinae (0.2%) and Capillaria spp. (0.1%) were detected in birds kept on a large scale. The occurrence of Coccidia fluctuated from 5% in birds dissected in May, July and November to 22% in birds dissected in August. H. gallinae and Capillaria spp. occurred rarely, namely in the second half of the year after warm and rainy periods (Figs. 1 and 2). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic fowl kept on small farms is variable within the year while the change begins in summer and culminates in autumn after warm and rainy months. Only following the sporulation of larger numbers of oocysts, or the maturation of larger numbers of eggs or cysticercoids their pathogenicity can play a key role while their concentrations in the environment are increasing. Hence parasitoses begin to appear after the rise of temperatures and rainfall.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

新疆部分地区牧马肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解新疆地区牧马肠道寄生虫感染情况,采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对新疆19个市/县32个牧马群的共519份新鲜马粪便样本进行检查。结果显示:304份样品呈肠道寄生虫阳性,总感染率为58.4%;检出7种肠道寄生虫,以圆线虫为主要感染种类,感染率为53.8%,副蛔虫感染率次之,为13.7%;球虫、隐孢子虫、蛲虫、裸头绦虫和双腔吸虫的感染率分别为1.0%、0.8%、0.4%、0.4%和0.2%。不同地区牧马肠道寄生虫感染率差异极显著(P0.01);不同年龄段牧马肠道寄生虫感染率差异显著(P0.05)。调查表明,新疆不同地区牧马肠道寄生虫感染普遍,应加强综合防控。     

Helminth parasites of beef cattle in the cerrado region of Brazil

The results are presented of a ten-year research programme on the helminth parasites of beef cattle raised in the extensive cerrado region of central-east Brazil. The most important helminths are Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp. (80% H. similis), Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum. Both production and infection are dominated by the alternation of rainy and dry seasons. Attempts to develop and implement control measures and their limitations are discussed.     

Some gastro-intestinal tract parasites in wild De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus) in Kenya

Fresh faecal droppings of wild group of De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus), earmarked for translocation, were collected between January and July 1998. The samples were analysed using direct smears, ether-sedimentation and the Harada-Mori culture techniques for gastro-intestinal tract parasites (GIT). Two species of helminths and three of protozoa were detected. Entamoeba coli was found in all 40 samples screened from 11 monkeys. Entamoeba histolytica was detected in 71.8% of the total samples screened, Streptopharagus spp. in 12.8% and Strongyloides spp. and Balantidium coli each in 7.7% of the samples. E. histolytica and Streptopharagus spp. were most prevalent in faecal samples of juveniles while Strongyloides spp. and B. coli were mostly found in adult females. This, to our knowledge, is the first report of GIT parasites in a wild population of De Brazza's monkeys and our results are baseline.     

Helminth and protozoan parasites in dogs and cats in Belgium

This study investigates the level of helminthic and protozoal infestation over the last 10 years in strays, well-cared-for dogs and cats. Determination of the prevalence of infections was based either on faecal examination or on worm counts at necropsy. Of 2324 faecal flotations (NaCl sp.gr. 1.20) of stray dogs, 34.2% had eggs or proglottids of one or more worm species consisting of Toxocara canis (17.4%), Toxascaris leonina (10.1%), Uncinaria stenocephala (11.4%), Trichuris vulpis (7.0%) and cestodes (2.1%). Isospora oocysts were observed in 5.2% of the dogs. The data on the distribution of the various worm species in the positive dogs indicate that T. canis eggs were by far the most common (50.9%). Necropsy data from 212 infected dogs indicate that 38.9% were infected with T. canis and 33.7% with T. leonina. The overall prevalence of worm infestation of 246 well-cared-for kennel dogs, based on worm egg counts by the McMaster technique, was 36.1%. Of 30 feline faecal samples examined by flotation, 83.3% were positive for parasites, including Toxocara cati (60%), Ancylostoma tubaeformae (36.6%), Taenia (Hydatigera) taeniaeformis (20%) and coccidia (30%). Toxocara cati was the most frequently found worm species at the necropsy of 25 cats (52%). Toxoplasma was not observed.     

Helminth parasites of gemsbok (Oryx gazella) in the Klein Karoo

The number and species of helminth parasites from three gemsbok (Oryx gazella) were recorded, and their faecal nematode egg counts and the level of pasture contamination determined. Six nematode genera were recovered and four species identified, of which Trichostrongylus rugatus was the most prevalent. Other nematode species recovered were Cooperia sp., Agriostomum sp., Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus spathiger and Ostertagia ostertagi. None of the worms were present in all animals studied, and no new host associations were found. Cysticerci were recovered from the mesenteries of one gemsbok and a further two unidentifiable helminths were recovered from the abomasum and the kidney fat layer of another antelope.     

Helminth parasites of dogs from two resource-limited communities in South Africa

Biological samples were collected from dogs in resource-limited communities in the North-West and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa to assess the prevalence of helminth parasitism. These samples included adhesive tape peri-anal skin swabs and fresh faecal samples for helminth examination, and thick and thin blood films (smears) and whole-blood samples in anticoagulant for examination of filarial nematode microfilariae and haemoprotozoa. The eggs of Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Dipylidium caninum and taeniids were identified. None of the blood samples and smears tested positive for microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis or Dipetalonema spp. or for haemoprotozoa. The adhesive tape swabs were negative for cestode eggs and segments. Most of the helminth parasites identified in this study are zoonotic and consequently are regarded as a public health hazard.     

Important parasites in poultry production systems.

Poultry now accounts for 30% of all meat consumed. Parasites are a problem where ever poultry are raised, whether in large commercial operations or in small back-yard flocks, and economic losses can be significant. This paper will briefly review the major protozoan, helminth, and arthropod species in poultry including pathogenesis. Other topics will include the importance of the interaction of other diseases and parasites, and control of the infection by chemotherapy, management, and immunity.     

Characterization of indigenous chicken production systems in Kenya

Indigenous chicken (IC) and their production systems were characterized to understand how the whole system operates for purposes of identifying threats and opportunities for holistic improvement. A survey involving 594 households was conducted in six counties with the highest population of IC in Kenya using structured questionnaires. Data on IC farmers’ management practices were collected and analysed and inbreeding levels calculated based on the effective population size. Indigenous chicken were ranked highest as a source of livestock income by households in medium- to high-potential agricultural areas, but trailed goats in arid and semi-arid areas. The production system practised was mainly low-input and small-scale free range, with mean flock size of 22.40 chickens per household. The mean effective population size was 16.02, translating to high levels of inbreeding (3.12%). Provision for food and cash income were the main reasons for raising IC, whilst high mortality due to diseases, poor nutrition, housing and marketing channels were the major constraints faced by farmers. Management strategies targeting improved healthcare, nutrition and housing require urgent mitigation measures, whilst rural access road network needs to be developed for ease of market accessibility. Sustainable genetic improvement programmes that account for farmers’ multiple objectives, market requirements and the production circumstances should be developed for a full realization of IC productivity.     

Occurrence of parasites in indigenous birds of prey and owls

In the present paper a general overview on parasites in birds of prey and owls is given. This part is followed by a study investigating the prevalences and species of parasites in free-ranging birds of prey and owls in Berlin and Brandenburg State, Germany. Over a one year period, 84 birds of prey and owls of the following species were examined for the presence of endo- and ectoparasites: Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) (n = 32), Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) (n = 20), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (n = 9), Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (n = 8), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) (n = 4), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (n = 3), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) (n = 1), White-tailed-Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) (n = 1), Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) (n = 4), Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) (n = 1) and Barn Owl (Tyto alba) (n = 1). In 97.6% of the cases, ectoparasites (feather mites and hippoboscid flies) were found. Especially eyasses (93.3%) were positive for hippoboscid flies. Trichomonas was detected in 28.6% of all birds of prey and owls examined. A prevalence of 100% was established in the Sparrow Hawks as well as Peregrine Falcons. Leucozytozoon sp. and Hemoproteus sp. as blood parasites were found in 26.9% of the birds in total. Common Buzzards showed the highest prevalence (44.8%). 58.3% of birds examined were positive for endoparasites. Flukes were found in 16.7%, tapeworms in 14.3%, round-worms in 48.8% and acanthocephales in 2.4% of the cases. Interestingly, Tylodelphis clavata (in a Common Buzzard) and Hovorkonema variegatum (in a Goshawk) were found for the first time in raptors. The results of this study underline the importance of a parasitological examination in the process of raptor rehabilitation.     

Helminth parasites in faecal samples from the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

The Iberian lynx is the most endangered felid in the world. Enteropathogens may threaten its survival, and therefore we analysed faecal samples from 66 different individuals (37 males and 29 females), the largest population representation studied to date. The samples were obtained from November 2005 to October 2008 in the two areas where the Iberian lynx survives: Sierra Morena and Do?ana (Andalusia, southern Spain). A total of 56.1% samples were parasitized with at least 6 species of helminths, including two cestodes (Hymenolepis spp. and Taenia spp.) and four Nematodes (Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, and Capillaria sp.). In this work, the presence of Hymenolepis is reported for the first time in Lynx pardinus. The relevance of our findings is discussed focussed on the conservation of this endangered felid.     

Helminth findings in indigenous raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1843)

Internal organs of 74 racoon dogs originating from the eastern districts of the Federal Land Brandenburg were subjected to a complete helminthological dissection. In addition, samples of diaphragma muscles from 46 further animals were examined for Trichinella larvae. Altogether 3 trematode- (Alaria alata, Isthmiophora melis, Metorchis bilis), 3 cestode- (Mesocestoides sp., Echinococcus multilocularis, Taenia polyacantha) and 7 nematode species (Capillaria aerophila, C. plica, Trichinella spiralis, Uncinaria stenocephala, Molineus patens, Crenosoma vulpis, Toxocara canis) could be identified. Thereby, the racoon dog has a comparable helminth spectrum as well known in red foxes. Differences in the frequency of the occurrence of helminths in both hosts can be explained by different food preferences.     

Improved detection of intestinal parasites

Three decades of accumulated data by the Center for Disease Control indicate that formalin-ether extraction is the method of choice for routine screening of stool samples. This technic detects operculated eggs, nematode larvae and 20% more ova and cysts than the flotation method.     

Efficacy of fenbendazole against helminth parasites of poultry in Uganda

Summary Fenbendazole 4% (Panacur, Hoechst) administered in feed was used to treat chickens infected withAscaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum andRailletina spp. It was also used to treatSyngamus trachea in broiler birds. There was a marked drop in helminth egg counts in the faeces on the second day of treatment and the faeces became negative by the seventh day after the last treatment. Post-mortem examination 15 to 21 days later showed that the drug was 100% effective againstAscaridia galli andHeterakis gallinarum at 10 mg/kg. However, for complete removal ofRailletina spp. 15 mg/kg was required. Similarly 20 mg/kg fenbendazole was effective againstSyngamus trachea. It was concluded that fenbendazole is suitable for the treatment of the important intestinal and tracheal worms of poultry, a dose of 15 to 20 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days being recommended for use under field conditions.

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Eficacia Del Fenbendazole Contra Helmintos De Aves Domesticas En Uganda

Presumen Se administró Fenbendazole 4% (Panacur, Hoechst) en el alimento, para tratar aves infectadas conAscaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum y Railletina spp. También se utilizó la droga para tratar pollos de engorde infectados conSyngamus trachea. Hubo un descenso marcado en el conteo de huevos de helmintos al segundo día del tratamiento, y las heces fueron negatives 7 días después del último tratamiento. El examen pos-mortem 15 y 21 días después del tratamiento mostró que la droga fue 100% efectiva contraAscaridia galli y Heterakis gallinarum en dosis de 10 mg/kg. Sin embargo, para el control deRailletina spp. 1a dosis se incrementó a 15 mg/kg. Similarmente, 20 mg/kg de Fenbendazole fueron efectivas contraSyngamus trachea. Se concluye, que el Fenbendazole es efectivo contra el tratamiento de los principales parásitos intestinales y traqueales de las aves domésticas, en dosis de 15 a 20 mg/kg, administrado por días consecutivos, en casos de campo.

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Efficacite Du Fenbendazole Contre Les Helminthes Parasites Des Volailles En Ouganda

Résumé Le Fenbendazole 4 p. 100 (Panacur, Hoechst) administré dans l'alimentation a été utilisé pour le traitement de poulets infectés parAscaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum etRailletina spp. Il a été également utilisé contreSyngamus trachea chez les oiseaux de chair. On a observé une baisse marquée dans la numération des oeufs dans les fèces dès le deuxième jour du traitement et ces fèces étaient devenues négatives le septième jour après le dernier traitement. L'examen post-mortem pratiqué de 15 à 20 jours plus tard a montré que le produit était efficace à 100 p. 100 contreAscaridia galli etHeterakis gallinarum à 10 mg/kg. Cependant, il a fallu en arriver à la dose de 15 mg/kg pour obtenir la complète élimination deRailletina spp. De même le Fenbendazole à la dose de 20 mg/kg a été effectif contreSyngamus trachea. Il en est conclu que ce produit convient pour le traitement des helminthes intestinaux et trachéaux des volailles, la dose de 15 à 20 mg/kg pendant 3 jours consécutifs étant recommandée lors de son utilisation sur le terrain.

     

Helminth parasites of beef cattle in the East Kimberley and Victoria River Districts of Northern Australia

An investigation into the helminth species present in cattle in the East Kimberley and Victoria River Districts of Northern Australia was conducted over a 2-year period based on bi-monthly total and differential worm counts in weaner cattle as well as on a post mortem survey of adult cattle sent for slaughter. The most important species found in young cattle were Haemonchus placei and Cooperia spp. Only small numbers of Bunostomum phlebotomum, Nematodirus spathiger, Oesophagostomum radiatum and Moniezia benedini were present. Calicophoron calicophorum and nodules of Onchocerca spp. and Oe. radiatum were recorded in adult cattle. Seasonal fluctuations in helminth parasite burdens are discussed in relation to temperature and rainfall and the results are interpreted in relation to the effects of helminthosis on present and future beef production in this area.