Isolation and Identification of Endo-Parasites from Fecal Ellets of Avian Species in Captivity

Abstract

Introduction: Birds are an integral part of ecosystem, they are commonly found all over the world. They can be parasitized by a wide variety of endo-parasites. Objectives/Aim: The current study conducted to identify and investigate the prevalence of endo-parasites from various captive bird species at main campus of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi. Methodology: Different standardized methods were used to collect fecal pellets from each bird species in early morning in a plastic bag and transferred to the National Veterinary laboratory (NVL), Islamabad for parasitological examination, eggs, oocytes, cysts and larva of pathogens. Prevalence of endo-parasites was estimated through geometric mean at confidence interval of 95%. Results: Total 403 fecal samples were collected from 13 bird species, 10 out of 13 avian species were found infected with endoparasites. The data on percentage occurrence of infection in avian species viz; pigeons (41.9%) were the most infected with endo-parasites as compared to golden pheasant (19.3%), pea cock (16.1%), cochin hen (12.9%), ring neck pheasant (9.6%), aseel hen (6.45%), polish hen (6.4%), brown hen (3.2%), red jungle fowl (3.2%) and bentum hen (3.2%). However, all of Budgerigar parrots, ducks and guinea fowl were not infected. It was found that Eimeriasp was more prevalent and isolated from Aseel hen (38.7%) and Golden pheasant (29.03%). Trichuris spp. was also more prevalent and isolated from golden pheasant (38.7 %). and other pathogens Ascaris spp. isolated from golden pheasant (16.1%) and peafowl (6.4 %), followed by Ascaridia spp. isolated from polish hen (16.1 %). It is concluded that Pigeons were most infected bird species and Eimeria spp, (38.7 %) and Trichuris spp. (38.7 %) were the most prevalent pathogens. Conclusion: Parasitic load can be managed by providing better healthcare facilities to birds, proper cleaning of waterers, vaccination of birds, proper nutrition and management of environmental conditions.