Prevalence of internal parasites in local chicken in Karbala province, Iraq

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are the most common and detrimental parasites impacting poultry productivity. Globally, Eimeria sp., Ascaridia galli, and Heterakis gallinarum are infect most variety of domestic and wild birds. The prevalence of endoparasite infection in the research area is presently mild and mostly influenced by farming practices; our findings can establish a baseline for managing infections in domestic hens. The research was carried out from January to August 30 2024 to ascertain the prevalence and diagnostic characteristics of parasite gastrointestinal illnesses. A total of 100 fresh fecal samples of backyard chickens were collected from different poultry markets. Fecal examination carried out by using the native method, and floating method to determine the presence of worm eggs. Identified among the nematodes were the following parasites: Eimeria sp., Ascaridia galli, and Heterakis gallinarum. The total prevalence was (22 %). The infection according to sex in Eimeria sp. was (63.6 %), (60.0 %), (66.7 %) in male and female, respectively. Ascaridia galli infection was (27.3 %), (30.0 %), (25.0 %) in male and female, respectively, and Heterakis gallinarum infection was (9.1 %), (10.0 %), (8.3 %) in male and female, respectively. The infection according to sex were. The infection according to age in Eimeria sp. was (63.6 %). Ascaridia galli infection was (27.3 %), and Heterakis gallinarum infection was (9.1 %). The prevalence of chickens in ages (one week to two years) were ranged between (0–100 %). A significantly, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infections were related with age, sex, and avian species at (p≥0.05). The study found that Eimeria sp., Ascaridia galli, and Heterakis gallinarum were the most common gastrointestinal parasite infestations. In conclusion, to fully understand how gastrointestinal parasites affect the well-being and output of village hens, as well as to develop workable intervention and control strategies that smallholder farmers may use, more research is needed.