Prevalence of Cestode Parasites of Gallus Domesticus in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Poultry production in Pakistan is growing remarkably and contributing significantly to the economy. However, disease outbreaks are the most serious threat to poultry productivity. Among other poultry diseases which cause huge damage to poultry, parasitic diseases are also included, but no significant work has been done on this area of concern in Pakistan.

Objective: This study is carried out to evaluate the prevalence rate of one of the major helminth parasite groups, Cestodes, and their effects on the health of chickens in the districts of Korangi, Karachi, Sindh.

Method: Between February 2018 and January 2019, 76 chickens were examined for Cestodes infection. Cestodes were extracted from the gut and fixed in F.A.A. fixative for 24 hours with a little cover slip pressure. The cestodes were then thoroughly cleaned with 70% ethanol, stained with Mayer's carmalum, dehydrated in progressively stronger alcohol, clarified with clove oil, rinsed with xylene, and permanently mounted in Canada balsam.

Results: The overall prevalence was 52.6%. Parasite burden is high in males (63.8%) compared to females (45.6%). Six species of Cestodes parasites were identified from the intestine of the infected chickens. Raillietina tetragona, R. cesticillus, R. echinobothridia, R. ransomi, Choanotaenia infundibulum, and Raillietina sp. are the Cestode species that have been found. Their prevalence was 42.1%, 34.2%, 26.3%, 22.2%, 15.7%, and 7.8%, respectively. The prevalence rate also varies from season to season. Spring had the highest rate of infection at 60%, summer was next at 58%, and autumn and winter both had a rate of 40%.

Conclusion: The study concludes that heavy infestation has a negative impact on the physical health of chickens and points to the need to control Cestodes parasite infection in order to reduce mortality and increase poultry yield.