Incidence Of Parasitism Research Articles

PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN WILD BIRDS OF THE FAMILY PSITTACIDAE: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ZOONOSIS AND THE ONE HEALTH

Birds belonging to the Psittaciformes order have a wide distribution worldwide, emphasizing the Brazilian biomes, and arecharacterized by their colors and shapes. Due to their vast diversity, these wild animals are targets for traffi cking and illegalcon fi nement in captivity. The stress and self-mutilation of capture are one of the main clinical signs these animals show, leavingthem immunologically vulnerable to infections. Thus, endoparasite infections caused by zoonotic parasites are recurrent in thisgroup of birds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the most recurrent parasitic infections that affect the Psittacidae familyof wild birds, highlighting the relationship between parasitic zoonoses and the concept of One Health. The work consisted ofa literature review of articles related to the incidence of parasites in wild Psittacidae published from 2010, the data the till whenextracted and computed in table form. The most prevalent diseases in the study were capillariasis, ascariasis, eimeriosis, cryptosporidiosis, strongyloidiasis, and giardiasis, and three of the six diseases cited to have the potential for transmissibility between animals and humans. Thus, the measures of approach to these zoonotic diseases are of interest to One Health, making it necessary for the joint action of veterinarians and other health professionals.

Public Health Implications of Invasive Plants: A Scientometric Study.

Movements of organisms through distinct places can change the dynamics of ecological interactions and make the habitat conducive to the spread of diseases. Faced with a cyclical scenario of invasions and threats in a One Health context, we conducted a scientometric study to understand how disturbances in environments with invaded vegetation affect the incidence of parasites and disease prevalence rates. The search was carried out in Web of Science and Scopus databases, with keywords delimited by Boolean operators and based on the PRISMA protocol. Thirty-sixarticles were full-read to clarify the interaction between diseases and invaded areas. The analysis covered publications from 2005 to 2022, with a considerable increase in the last ten years and a significant participation of the USA on the world stage. Trends were found in scientific activities, and we explored how invasive species can indirectly damage health, as higher concentrations of pathogens, vectors, and hosts were related to structurally altered communities. This paper reveals invaded plants threats that enhance disease transmission risks. It is likely that, with frequent growth in the number of introduced species worldwide due to environmental disturbances and human interventions, the negative implications will be intensified in the coming years.

Epidemiological investigation and Factors affecting the Gastrointestinal parasitism in Cattle at selected areas of kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj district in Bangladesh

The investigation of the GI parasite’s epidemiology and associated risk factors in cattle was the study’s main goal. A total of 211 fecal samples from 92 bulls and 119 cows were collected from Pinjuri and Hiron unions of Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj district from February, 2023 to April, 2023. Fecal samples were collected directly from the ground when the animals were found in the act of defecation or immediately after defecation. On the day of collection, the samples were evaluated at the BAPARD Laboratory using conventional coprological methods. A pretested questionnaire was utilised to capture the essential animal data during sample collection. The cattle were separated into three age groups, including 0 to 1 year, 1 to 2 years, and 2 years; various sex groups, including male and female; different health status groups, including poor and normal; and different breeds, including indigenous non-descriptive and crossbred. The total incidence of gastrointestinal parasitism was 45.49% (n=96/211), with Toxocara spp. (19.90%), Strongyloides spp. (3.79%), and Haemonchus spp. being the most frequently found parasites. and Bunostomum spp. (8.06%), Paramphistomum spp. (10.43%), Paramphistomum spp. and Fasciola sp. (1.42%) and Moniezia spp. (1.89%). The parasitic prevalence load was higher in crossbred (50.36%) than non-descriptive indigenous breed (36.48%). In another instance, female cattle (47.05%) slightly outnumber male cattle (43.47%). The parasitic load was higher in young (≥1 year) comparatively growing (<1 to ≥2 year) and adult (< 2 years) cattle. In this study areas, prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite shows slightly higher in Hiron union (45.87%) comparatively Pinjuri union (45.09%). So, the study indicates high percentage of infection found in crossbred, female and young animals.

An Epidemiological Study of Intestinal Parasites in Children Attending the Pediatric Teaching Hospital in the Holy City Of Karbala, Iraq

Background: Intestinal parasitosis remains an important public health concern worldwide because of its high incidence reached in several countries as well as its nutritional consequences. The role of intestinal parasites in causing morbidity and mortality, as well as the pathogenesis of other infectious diseases, is determined. Intestinal parasitic infection is most common among school-age children and tends to cause high-intensity infection in this age group. Intestinal parasites are divided into two major types: helminths and protozoa. Protozoa are unicellular organisms and belong to the Protista kingdom and can reproduce in the human body which can allow the formation of serious infections. Objectives: The objective of this study was to detect the incidence of intestinal parasites in children attending and hospitalized at Karbala Teaching Hospital in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq. Materials and Methods: Between February 2021 and January 2022, 3748 feces samples from children between the age of 1 and 15 years were tested using both direct smear and acid fast stain test in addition to rapid test techniques. Results: The result showed that the total percentage of infection with intestinal parasites was 13% and recorded five types of intestinal parasites: Entamoeba histolytica (10.54%), Giardia lamblia (2.46%), Cryptosporidium parvum 0.4%, Hymenolepis nana (0.24%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.13%), and Trichomonas hominis (0.03%). Males were more likely to get infected than females, and the incidence of intestinal parasite infection (IPI) changed over the month of the study. Also, the infection with one species has more incidence than two and three species. The age groups of the infected children were likewise impacted by the infection rate. The statistical analysis revealed differences in the percentage of IPI by age and gender of children (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude from the result of the present study that the incidence of infection with E. histolytica is more than that of other intestinal parasites, and intestinal parasites were affected by most epidemiological criteria such as gender, the duration of the study, and age of infected patients.

Malaria elimination in Zanzibar: where next?

In 2018, Zanzibar developed a national malaria strategic plan IV (2018-2023) to guide elimination of malaria by 2023. We assessed progress in the implementation of malaria activities as part of the end-term review of the strategic plan. The review was done between August and October 2022 following the WHO guideline to assess progress made towards malaria elimination, effectiveness of the health systems in delivering malaria case management; and malaria financing. A desk review examined available malaria data, annual work plans and implementation reports for evidence of implemented malaria activities. This was complemented by field visits to selected health facilities and communities by external experts, and interviews with health management teams and inhabitants to authenticate desk review findings. A steady increase in the annual parasite incidence (API) was observed in Zanzibar, from 2.7 (2017) to 3.6 (2021) cases per 1,000 population with marked heterogeneity between areas. However, about 68% of the detected malaria cases were imported into Zanzibar. Malaria case follow-up and investigation increased from <70% in 2017 to 94% and 96% respectively, in 2021. The review noted a 3.7-fold increase of the health allocation in the country's budget, from 31.7 million USD (2017/18) to 117.3 million USD (2022/23) but malaria allocation remained low (<1%). The varying transmission levels in the islands suggest a need for strategic re-orientation of the elimination attempts from a national-wide to a sub-national agenda. We recommend increasing malaria allocation from the health budget to ensure sustainability of malaria elimination interventions.

A Study of Malaria in West Bengal

Background: Malaria still occurs in West Bengal which is one of the states in the eastern part of India. Materials and Methods: The study design included an analysis of the 2017 and 2018 annual reports of the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC). Results: The district of Kolkata had a high Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of Malaria of 3.72 during 2017 which decreased to 3.12 in 2018. Conclusion: If interventions such as the treatment of asymptomatic carriers take place, it is expected that the API will come down sooner in Kolkata district and in the rest of the state too.

A Five-Year (2016-2020) Trend Analysis of Malaria Surveillance Data in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Continuous malaria surveillance data analysis plays a significant role in monitoring trends over time and evaluating the effectiveness of malaria prevention and control programs. Hence, this study was part of an effort to achieve this goal. This study's main aim was to analyse five years (2016-2020) of malaria surveillance data in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to analyse the five-year (2016-2020) trend of malaria cases in the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 5,843,373malaria suspected cases were reported during the five-year period. Among the total reported cases, 727,738 were a total of both clinical and parasitological confirmed cases. The average total malaria annual parasite incidence (API) was 4 per 1,000 persons. The highest malaria cases were observed during the spring and summer seasons. Conclusions and Recommendation. Trends of total clinical and confirmed malaria cases decreased from year to year except for the recent year with an exceptional variability in 2019. The highest or peak of malaria cases was observed during spring season (September-November). Malaria indicator-based performance plans and achievements should be regularly and strictly reviewed and evaluated at each level.

An Evaluation of Malaria Surveillance System in Punjab, India, 2020.

India accounted for 6% of global burden of malaria with 95% population residing in malaria endemic areas. However, Punjab is in the malaria elimination phase with annual parasite incidence (API) <1/1000 population. We evaluated malaria surveillance system in Punjab using CDC's updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems to provide recommendations for strengthening the existing system and to overcome the challenges in the path of malaria free Punjab. We chose two districts of Punjab, Amritsar (lowest API) and Mansa (highest API), interviewed stakeholders, and performed a retrospective desk review. We evaluated the overall usefulness of the system and assessed seven attributes at state, district, health facility, and village level during July-August 2020. In Punjab, there was progressive decline in the malaria cases from 2,955 cases in 2009 to 1,140 in 2019 and no malaria deaths since 2011. Regarding various attributes, overall score for flexibility was good (85.9%); average for simplicity (77%), acceptability (74%), data quality (74%), and timeliness (70%); and poor for representativeness (59%) and stability (57%). Malaria surveillance system was useful in analyzing the trends of morbidity and mortality and for generating data to drive policy decisions. To improve stability, representativeness, and acceptability, surveillance staff should not be engaged in supplemental work, and reports from private sector must be ensured. Supportive supervision and regular trainings should be carried out regarding reporting formats, guidelines, and timely epidemiological investigations to improve timeliness, data quality, and simplicity.

Mortality in Galla Goat Production System in Southern Rangelands of Kenya: Levels and Predictors

Herd health and adaptability are of concern in animal production in the tropics because of the persistent exposure to multiple stresses of low quality and quantity feeds, heat stress, high disease, and parasite incidences, poor husbandry, and breeding practices; the combined effects of these factors is high livestock mortality. High health-related mortality has been frequently reported as the major impediment to livestock production and thus the aim of this article is to investigate the vital infectious diseases and non-infectious factors that account for the majority of deaths which is crucial in determining mortality control strategies. The study applies a descriptive, Kaplan-Meier method, and truncated regression analysis using an eight-year retrospective data spanning from 2014 to 2021 was applied for this analysis. The results indicate infectious diseases as the most important cause of Galla goat mortality. The mean monthly and annual mortality rates are higher and the pre-weaning mortality of Galla goat appeared to be one of the major constraints hampering the development of replacement stock. The risk factors considered for high mortality were the age and sex of the kids. Among the infectious diseases analyzed, bacterial, parasitic, and non-specific infectious diseases were identified as the important causes of Galla goat mortality, while the non-infectious conditions included malnutrition and thermal/cold shock. The analysis provided an improved insight into animal-health-related factors which once addressed could reduce mortality and hence optimize animal husbandry performance in Galla goat production systems. Interventions in Galla goat health and husbandry are recommended to control kids' mortality.

MALARIA PARASITE STATUS IN THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH BETWEEN 2018 AND 2022

Background: To the best knowledge of the author, there is no report on the current status of Malaria in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This study is an attempt in that direction.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study design included an analysis of the 2017 and 2018 annual reports as well as the website of the of the National Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).&#x0D; Results: Bareilly District in Uttar Pradesh had a low Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of Malaria of 0.06 in 2017 which increased to 7.32 in 2018.&#x0D; Conclusions: If interventions like the treatment of asymptomatic carriers take place, it is expected that the API in this district and the entire state will come down quickly.

Honey Bee Exposure to the Fungicide Propiconazole in Lowbush Blueberry Fields

The fungicide propiconazole is a commonly used fungicide in small fruit and tree fruit production in the U.S.A. In Maine wild blueberry production, it is used almost exclusively for mummy berry disease control. The goal of this study is to assess the risk of exposure to honey bee colonies deployed in wild blueberry fields for pollination. The study was conducted over a six-year period (2009–2014) in both the field and laboratory. Field surveys (2009–2011) measured the residues on blueberry flowers in 41 commercial fields across the blueberry growing region. A two-year study (2010–2011) determined the decay rate of propiconazole in blueberry fields after application. A laboratory study determined the contact LD50 of propiconazole to honey bee workers (2013). A field exposure/effect study was conducted over three years (2011–2013). In this study, 8–18 previously unexposed colonies were randomly assigned to one of two treatments, (1) isolated fields that were treated prior to bloom with the fungicide, propiconazole, but no other pesticides, or (2) isolated fields that were not treated with propiconazole or any other pesticides. The measures taken to evaluate effects of exposure monitored each year were (1) estimation of the exposure to colonies, measured as residues on flowers, workers, and in pollen brought back to hives; (2) colony population size (workers and brood); (3) queen status and presence; (4) queen oviposition rate; (5) supersedure rate; (6) egg hatch success; (7) mortality of developing larvae and pupae; (8) royal jelly deposition in wax comb cells; (9) worker longevity; (10) foraging activity; (11) treated bloom repellency to foragers; (12) colony overwintering success; (13) worker hypopharyngeal gland acini size; and (14) pathogen and parasite incidence and intensity. The results of these experiments and surveys showed that the propiconazole contact LD50 was 24,747 ppb. Residues of propiconazole were found to be commonly abundant on flowers in treated commercial fields after application with a mean concentration of 2083.8 ± 851.3 (se). The decay of propiconazole to non-detectable levels took about 40 days after application. The three-year hive deployment study showed that residues in treated fields were detected on flowers, pollen, and worker bees, demonstrating that exposure to this fungicide occurs even though it is applied before bloom. Also in the hive deployment study, evidence of reduced colony populations, increased supersedure, decreased queen oviposition rate, increased pathogen or parasite incidence and intensity, and increased overwintering colony loss due to propiconazole exposure was not found. However, propiconazole exposed colonies exhibited reduced worker longevity (17.3%), hypertrophy of 5 d old nurse bee hypopharyngeal acini (8.3%), and a 3.5 h repellency of foragers to treated bloom.

Gold miners augment malaria transmission in indigenous territories of Roraima state, Brazil

BackgroundEndemic malaria is present in all 15 municipalities of Roraima state, Brazilian Amazonia. Knowledge of epidemiological data of specific populations can guide health policies to formulate effective strategies for integrated control of health-disease care. This study aims to ascertain when, where and who fell ill with malaria in Roraima state from 2010 to 2020.MethodsThis descriptive study was based on statistical secondary surveillance data through the analysis of relationships underlying numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths using the Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, Mortality Information System and Hospitalization Information System.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2020, there were 138,504 autochthonous cases, 26,158 Venezuelan imported cases, 3765 hospitalizations, and 77 deaths from malaria reported in Roraima. Annual parasitic incidence and the number of hospitalizations showed impressive changes over the period, but without significantly correlating with number of deaths. The proportion of Plasmodium falciparum infections had significant shifts throughout this study. Malaria prevalence in indigenous and mining areas has been increasing since 2014.ConclusionThe presence of miners in indigenous areas is a reality that has been contributing to the increase of malaria cases in Roraima. The need to implement health policies that also meet this contingent is reinforced.

Influence of Thermal Regimes on the Relationship between Parasitic Load and Body Condition in European Sardine along the Catalan Coast

The small pelagic European sardine presents high commercial and ecological values. Due to its cold-temperate water affinity, stocks are affected by global warming. Water temperature rise may change primary productivity patterns, negatively affecting fish condition and increasing parasite incidence. In this context, sardine health status was evaluated through the annual cycle on the Catalan Coast using thermal regimes comparison. Morphogravimetric parameters, sex and gonadal stages were assessed; infection by nematodes was characterised, and body condition was estimated by the Le Cren Factor and lipid content measured using a fish fat meter. Significant statistical differences were observed in spawning dynamics, body condition, and parasite infection between thermal regimes. Sardines from the colder north area had better condition and an earlier spawning, with lower parasite incidence (in terms of total prevalence, mean intensity and abundance) than those from the southern coast. Hysterothylacium spp. was the most abundant nematode, while Anisakis spp. prevalence was null in the two locations. Seasonal differences in nematode load were observed along the Catalan Coast, with lower prevalence during the summer and higher in winter-spring. Although previous studies have underestimated parasite influence on sardine health status, parasite abundance and sardine condition were negatively correlated. Seawater temperature and primary productivity are the proposed factors promoting differentiation in nematode infection and fish condition throughout the annual cycle and between locations.

India may need an additional metric to assess the endemicity of malaria in low surveillance districts.

India's National Framework for malaria elimination is essentially dependent on Annual Parasite Incidence (API). API is the primary criterion for classifying states and districts into different categories: intensified control, pre-elimination, elimination, prevention and re-establishment of malaria. However, API's validity is critically dependent on multiple factors, one such important factor is Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) and is often considered as indicator of operational efficiency. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether the API is a sufficiently good malaria index to assess malaria endemicity in India. An in-depth analysis of malaria data (2017-19) was done to determine the appropriateness of API as a sole indicator of malaria endemicity. We stratified the Indian districts into three strata based on Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER): <5, 5.0-5.0, >15, further APIs was compared with Slide Positivity Rates (SPRs) using sign rank test, independently in each stratum. API and SPR were found comparable (p-value 0.323) in stratum 2 only. However, in the case of lower ABER (<5%, strata 1), the API was significantly lower than the SPR, and higher ABER (>15%), the API was found substantially higher than the SPR. Thus, ABER tunes the validity of API and should avoid to use as a single indicator of malaria endemicity. API is an appropriate measure of malaria endemicity in high and moderate transmission areas where surveillance is good (ABER≥5%). However, it is vitally dependent upon surveillance rate and other factors such as population size, the selection of individuals for malaria testing. Therefore, where surveillance is poor (<5%), we propose that API should be complemented with SPR and the number of cases. It will significantly aid the design and deployment of interventions in India.

Intestinal Protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia ) and their effect on some Hematological Parameters in Al-Manssora Hospitals, Aden, Yemen

Intestinal protozoa are among the organisms that cause diseases in various countries of the world, especially poor countries. Six hundred and three stool samples were collected from patients coming to some hospitals in Mansoura District (22 May Hospital, Cuban Hospital, Al-Naqeeb Hospital, Al Salam Hospital), and blood samples were taken from 384 patients of both sexes infected with intestinal protozoa (E. histolytica, Giardia lamblia) and 21 blood samples from non-infected people.&#x0D; The results of the current study showed that the total infection rate of intestinal protozoa (E. histolytica, G. lamblia) was 603/384 (63.68%). For blood picture tests, a decrease in haemoglobine values and an increase in the total number of white blood cells and Eosinophils were observed for the affected people. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of E. histolytica and G. lamblia and its effect on some hematological parameters in some hospitals in Al-Mansoura District of Aden Governorate (Yemen).&#x0D; We recommend raising the level of health by providing educational programs and paying attention to personal hygiene in order to reduce the incidence of parasites, activate the role of health institutions, and work to combat rodents and insects to cut off the parasite life cycle.

Elevation gradient affects the distribution and host utilisation of Zatypota anomala (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) associated with mesh web weaving spiders (Araneae, Dictynidae)

The spatial distribution of parasitoids is closely linked to the distribution and ecological requirements of their hosts. Several studies have documented changes in the fauna composition of parasitoids in response to elevation, but data on parasitoids associated with spiders are missing. The koinobiont ichneumonid wasp Zatypota anomala is strictly specialised on spiders of the genus Dictyna (Dictynidae) in Europe. We examined the distribution of spiders of the family Dictynidae in forest ecotones in central Europe across a broad elevation gradient (110–1466 m a.s.l.). We checked the spiders for parasitism by Z. anomala. It was most abundant at the mid-elevations (median 712 m a.s.l., range 179–870 m a.s.l.). We identified four dictynid spider species as Z. anomala hosts. These were Dictyna arundinacea, Dictyna uncinata, Nigma flavescens, and Nigma walckenaeri. All four species and the genus Nigma were recorded as hosts for the first time. The parasitoids strongly preferred juvenile instars of their hosts. The body length differed between parasitised Dictyna and Nigma spiders (medians: 1.95 mm and 2.55 mm, respectively). The distribution of Dictyna and Nigma spiders overlapped along the elevation gradient, but parasitism incidence significantly differed between spider genera along the elevation gradient. Nigma was parasitized at lower elevations between 179–254 m a.s.l. and Dictyna at higher elevations between 361–870 m a.s.l. The phenology of Z. anomala is closely tied to the univoltine life strategy of its host spiders. The parasitoid female oviposits in autumn, and its offspring overwinter as larvae on the host, reach adulthood during spring, and pass the summer as an adult.

Brood parasitism of Hooded Warblers by Brown-headed Cowbirds: Severe impact on individual nests but modest consequences for seasonal fecundity and conservation

Abstract Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) often has pronounced negative effects on host nests. However, the extent to which parasitism reduces annual reproduction and presents conservation challenges for host species is unclear. We address this issue with data from a color-banded population of Hooded Warblers (Setophaga citrina) in Pennsylvania, where Hooded Warblers have increased dramatically despite frequent nest parasitism. Our analysis is based on both an extensive dataset (8 years, 847 nests) on the per-nest impacts of cowbird parasitism and female-based stochastic simulations that accurately reflect the reproductive biology and parasitism rate (30%) of our study population. Cowbird parasitism has multiple negative consequences for Hooded Warbler nests, including (1) reduced host clutch size; (2) increased nest abandonment; (3) increased risk of complete failure due to predation; and (4) in surviving nests increased egg loss, hatching failure, and nestling mortality. We estimate that parasitism reduces success of Hooded Warbler nests 68%, from 1.29 to 0.41 fledglings per nest. For females and populations, however, the consequences of nest parasitism are considerably less extreme; female annual fecundity decreases 25% for each nesting attempt parasitized, and population-level fecundity drops 5.6% for each 10% increase in the frequency of parasitism. These more modest impacts are attributable to (1) steep declines in rates of cowbird parasitism as the nesting season progresses, (2) rapid renesting following abandonment or failure of parasitized nests, and (3) regular double brooding, with second broods initiated in late June and July when the incidence of cowbird parasitism is low. Our results help resolve the paradox of how cowbird parasitism can have both severe consequences for individual host nests but more modest and sustainable conservation impacts on the seasonal fecundity of females and populations. They further underscore the importance of determining population-level effects of brood parasites before investing in costly management efforts.

Lighting pattern and photoperiod affect the range use and feather cover of native laying hens under free range condition

The study aimed to investigate the effects of lighting pattern and photoperiod on range use, feather cover and gait score of native laying hens. Six hundred and thirty 19-wks-old Beijing You Chicken (BYC) pullets were randomly allocated to 6 groups with 105 birds each, 3 replicates per group, reared in individually lit indoor pens with separate covered shed and outdoor areas. A 2×3 factorial experiment (2 lighting patterns: continuous and intermittent lighting; 3 photoperiods: 16 h, 14 h, 12 h) was arranged indoors, including 16L:8D (6:00-22:00) for group 1; 12L:2D:4L:6D (6:00-18:00,20:00-24:00) for group 2; 14L:10D (6:00-20:00) for group 3; 10L:2D:4L:8D (6:00-16:00,18:00-22:00) for group 4; 12L:12D (6:00-18:00) for group 5, and 8L:4D:4L:8D (6:00-14:00,18:00-22:00) for group 6, respectively. The number of hens in indoor pen, covered shed and outdoor area were counted at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 for consecutive 3 sunny days at 34 wks and 36 wks of age, feather cover and gait score of the laying hens were assessed at the end of 36 wks. The results showed that daily average hen percentage was the highest in continuous 12 h group (63.67%), and the lowest in intermittent 14 h group (58.36%) in indoor pen (P < 0.05); the daily average hen percentage was the lowest in continuous 12 h group (16.05%), and the highest in intermittent 14h group (21.22%) in outdoor area (P < 0.05). Lighting pattern significantly affected hen percentage in indoor pen and outdoor area, the hen percentage in indoor pen was higher in continuous lighting groups than in intermittent lighting groups (62.09% vs. 59.23%) (P < 0.05), the hen percentage in outdoor area was lower in continuous lighting groups than in intermittent lighting groups (16.60% vs. 19.95%) (P < 0.05). Photoperiod had no effect on the hen percentage (P > 0.05), but time of day affected the hen percentage in different areas (P < 0.05). The feather cover score was higher in intermittent lighting groups than in continuous lighting groups (17.43 vs. 15.04, P < 0.05). The average hen percentage in indoor pen is strongly negatively correlated with the feather cover score (r=-0.880, P=0.050), and the hen percentage in outdoor area is strongly positively correlated with the feather cover score in intermittent lighting condition (r=0.811, P < 0.05). The present study suggested that more range use is beneficial for the feather cover and physical health of laying hens under free range condition, and intermittent lighting is more conducive to range use and feather cover of native laying hens, which may be related to its affecting hens' rhythmic activities, increasing adaptation to outdoor environment, and reducing the incidence of feather pecking and parasites.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Species Composition of Malaria Mosquitoes in Selected Districts of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

The highest malaria transmission risk as stratified by annual parasite incidence, appears largely in Benishangul Gumuz region, the lowland and midlands of the western border with Sudan and South Sudan. The effectiveness of malaria vector control strategy depends on knowledge of factors that determine vector density and distribution, affecting adult Anopheles vector population dynamics and malaria transmission. This study aimed to investigate the spatial-temporal distribution and species composition of Anopheles mosquitos in western Ethiopia. The study was conducted in three districts of Assosa Zone (Assosa, Homosha and Bambasi), Benishangul Gumuz regional state. Adult and larva of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using standard techniques after the long rainy season (October 2020-December 2020) and Dry season (January to February 2021). After collection, the data were analyzed using SPSS software. A total of 2063 Anopheles mosquitoes (1745 larvae and 318 adults) were collected during the study period and categorized into five Anopheles species (An. gambiae, An. funestus, An. coustani, An. ziemanni, and An. squamosus). Among all species An. gambiae s.l. (1548, 88.7%) was the predominant species while An. squamous (14, 0.8%) was the least dominant. From the three districts, the highest Anopheles mosquito specimens were collected from Bambasi (917, 52.6% larval and 126, 39.6% adult). And out of all collection months, the highest number of larvae and adult mosquitoes was collected during October. Among larval breeding habitats, pond was highly productive for Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes prefer to breed in all breeding sites, particularly temporary and sunlit habitats. Anopheles gambiae s.l. predominantly occurs during all seasons in its immature and mature stages, suggesting that malaria is a health problem in the area.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Non-descript Goats (capra hircus) in Semi-Arid Zone of Southern India

The current study was conducted to know the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism in two semi-intensive goat farms owned by small-scale farmers of Puducherry, a semi-arid zone of Southern India. The primary aim of this study was to identify the gastrointestinal parasites in non-descript goats of selected farms in Puducherry, a semi-arid zone of Southern India. The samples included 18 goats from Thirukkanur farm, and 7 goats from Kombakkam farm. The goats had a history of recurrent diarrhea, improper vaccination, and deworming status. There was no information on treatment history. Fresh fecal samples (n = 25) were collected per rectum from the non-descript goats belonging to different age groups and sex. The collected fresh fecal samples were processed by qualitative fecal examination, such as direct smear examination, sedimentation, and flotation techniques. Of 25 fecal samples, 23 (92%) samples were found positive. Upon microscopic examination, different gastrointestinal parasites in the non-descript goats of the targeted area include Strongyles (68%), Amphistomes (48%), Strongyloides spp. (36%), Moniezia spp. (8%), and Trichuris spp. (4%). A higher incidence of gastrointestinal parasites was found in the non-descript goats of the study location. Among these, nematodes constitute about (Strongyles, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp.) 80%, trematode (Amphistomes) 12%, and cestode (Moniezia spp.) 8% were found to be predominant. It is reported that among all the gastrointestinal parasites, the nematode strongyle infection is higher in non-descript goats.