Prevalence and seasonal dynamics of gastrointestinal nematodes of domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Kashmir, India

Abstract

Objective: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the seasonal dependency and prevalence of gastrointestinal roundworms (nematodes) infecting domestic fowls ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) in Kashmir. Materials and Methods: From August 2017 through July 2019, the investigation was undertaken during each of the four seasons. We tested 400 guts obtained from varied places around the Kashmir valley for nematode infestation. The nematodes found within the digestive tract were collected and identified using a variety of identification keys under the microscope. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyze the data (version 20). Chi-square ( χ 2 ) test was carried out to analyze the sample data. Results: 196 hosts were infected with various nematodes, indicating an overall prevalence of 49% (196/400). The findings revealed that the prevalence of Ascaridia galli was 32.97% (61/185) in the first year and 35.34% (76/215) in the second year. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 20.80% (38/185) in the first year and 24.18% (52/215) in the second year, whereas Capillaria spp. had a prevalence rate of 10.81% (20/185) in the first year and 12.55% (27/215) in the second year. The overall prevalence of A. galli was determined to be 34.25% in both years (August 2017–July 2019), with a mean intensity of 4.86. Summer months had the highest parasitic load. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 22.5% and a mean intensity of 26.83. Summer was shown to have the most considerable parasitic burden. Capillaria spp. had an overall prevalence of 11.75% and a mean intensity of 4.59; autumn had the highest parasite load. The most abundant species was identified as A. galli . It was shown that there is a significant ( p < 0.01) link between seasonality and helminth parasite prevalence. Conclusion: The study’s findings indicate that these gastrointestinal nematodes are ubiquitous throughout the year, but are particularly abundant in the summer and fall seasons among domestic poultry in the study area. This study on the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in Gallus gallus domesticus demonstrates the seasonality of infection rates and also offers various methods and techniques for framing effective strategies for controlling these helminthes to maximize profit from backyard chicken farming.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in three groups of domestic poultry managed under backyard system in the Savanna subregion, Department of Sucre, Colombia

“…Backyard poultry farming is an important economic activity for the rural population as a source of income and as a way to guarantee food security in unprotected communities [ 4 ]. In this sense, support for backyard poultry farming has been widely used since it is considered that small-scale livestock production represents an effective alternative to achieving food security [ 5 ]. Farm animals constitute an essential element of subsistence for the rural poor, performing multiple functions: food production, fertilizer, and income generation [ 6 ].…”

A high level estimation of the net economic benefits to small-scale livestock producers arising from animal health product distribution initiatives

“…A meta-analysis of helminth infections in poultry has estimated the prevalence in backyard systems at 73.6% (4.39–100%) ( 36 ) with regular reinfection. As the range of species of helminths that are found in backyard indigenous systems is high ( 36 – 40 ) we allow that anthelminthics are effective against only 80% of infections depending on treatment and infection ( 41 ). There is a marked beneficial impact on chicken growth from administration of anthelminthics ( 42 ), where among young stock (40–70 days) the estimated impact of treatment was a further 90 g over the 8 weeks following treatment.…”

Ascaridia galli infection in chicken: Pathobiology and immunological orchestra

“…4 Ascaridiasis in chickens is highly prevalent in many countries around the globe, like Germany (88%), Sweden (77.1%), Bangladesh (61%), India (32.97%), and Tanzania (32.3%), where birds were reared in free range system compared to Ghana (30%) and Serbia (15.6%-24%), where intensive rearing system was applied. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Ascaridia galli affects the small intestine, especially the duodenum of chickens, pigeons, and wild birds. [12][13][14] The parasite can be associated with anemia, emaciation, and reduction in production efficiency.…”

“…Ascaridia galli (Schrank, 1788), the largest nematode of chickens, is the most frequently encountered problem (up to 90%) of indigenous chickens 4 . Ascaridiasis in chickens is highly prevalent in many countries around the globe, like Germany (88%), Sweden (77.1%), Bangladesh (61%), India (32.97%), and Tanzania (32.3%), where birds were reared in free range system compared to Ghana (30%) and Serbia (15.6%–24%), where intensive rearing system was applied 5–11 …”