prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Barn Swallow (Hirundo Sp. Linnaeus 1785) in the Tansen Palpa, Nepal

Abstract

The barn swallow (Hirundo sp.) belongs to the Hirundinidae family and is the most widespread species of swallows in the world. The barn swallows are migratory birds found on all continents of the world except Antarctica. The present study was conducted for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of barn swallow in Tansen, Palpa. Total 120 fecal samples were collected by random sampling method from March 5 to May 25, 2019. The qualitative examination of fecal samples was done by direct microscopic examination, floatation technique and sedimentation technique whereas Microsoft Excel 2016 was used for data analysis. Out of 120 fecal samples examined, 105 fecal samples were positive with 87.5% prevalence of parasitic infection. Total six gastrointestinal parasites were encountered including one protozoan: Isopora sp. (35.23%) and five genera of helminths: Ascaridia sp. (48.57%), Echinostoma sp. (35.23%), Heterakis sp. (19.05%), Strongyle sp. (11.43%) and Trichostrongylus sp. (9.52%). The prevalence rate of helminths (93.33%) was higher than protozoan parasites (35.24%). The higher prevalence of GI parasites was in Bus park and Batase dada (95%). Statistically, the difference in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among study area was found to be insignificant (χ²=0.662, P>0.05) whereas the difference in prevalence of single infection (50.47%), double (37.14) and triple infections (13.33%) were significant (χ² =23.547), P<0.05). The intensity of heavy of Ascaridia sp. was seen in only one sample, moderate infection of Ascaridia sp. and Ehinostoma sp. was seen in six and seven samples respectively. The study indicated that barn swallows of Tansen, Palpa were highly susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites due to improper management of waste products and improper handle of fecal sample of certain domestic animal. In order to minimize the GI infestation in barn swallow, first intermediate host should be identified and should be controlled by using different pesticides.