Gastrointestinal parasites of quail in Siddharthanagar, Rupandehi, Nepal

Abstract

Quails are primarily reared for meat and eggs which plays a key role in enhancing the economic status of local people. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of quail in Siddharthanagar, Rupandehi, Nepal. A total of 150 fecal samples of quail including 65 from young and 85 from adults were collected from December 2021 to May 2022. The examination of fecal samples was done by direct wet mount method and concentration methods (flotation and sedimentation technique) in the laboratory of Central Department of Zoology, Kritipur. The study found that 72.67% of the fecal samples were found positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Among identified GI parasites, Eimeria sp. (29.33%) was found to be the most prevalent parasite followed by Ascaridia sp. (21.33%), Heterakis sp. (16%), Capillaria sp. (12%), Strongyloides sp. (7.3%) and Raillietina sp. (4.6%). The prevalence rate of gastrointestinal parasites was found in young (78.46%) and in adults (68.23%) with no significant difference. Moreover, the study found that there was not significantly different between seasons, with an infection rate of 78.67% in winter and 66.67% in summer. Single parasitic infections were more common than double infection. The results indicate that quails are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites and need to undertake preventive measures for controlling the risk of parasitosis in quail.