Helminths Fauna in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Some Domesticated and Non-Domesticated Birds of District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study aimed with the spotting and evaluation of the current status of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) helminths of domesticated and non-domesticated birds of district Karak different localities. For this purpose we captured/collected 120 birds of 10 selected species. Overall helminths prevalence was recorded 68% (82/120), highest in wild crows 83% (10/12) followed by wild quails 75% (09/12) while lowest recorded in night-angle 50% (06/12). The identified species of parasites belonging to nematodes were, namely, Heterakis gallinae 64% (53/82), Strongyloides avium 57% (47/82), Gongylonema ingluvicola 51% (42/82), Ascaridia galli 47% (39/82), Trichius trichiura (whipworm) 86% (71/82), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) 89% (73/82), the cestodes were, namely, Raillietina echinobothrida 59% (49/82), Raillietina cesticillus 57% (47/82) , Raillietina tetragona 46% (38/82), Hymenolepis carioca 39% (32/82) and the trematodes were, namely, Ascocotyle 51% (42/82), Cercarioides 62% (51/82) Echinostoma trivolvus 63% (52/82). Present study demonstrated that feeding behaviour and gender of birds play a vital role in the prevalence and infection of avi-fauna of District Karak.