Gastrointestinal parasites of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo Linnaeus, 1758) in Nagarjun turkey farm, Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites can affect poultry productivity by compromising its health. The study was conducted from December to June to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in turkey in the Nagarjun turkey farm, Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 200 fecal samples, male turkeys (100) and female turkeys (100) were collected and preserved in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. These samples were examined microscopically by direct wet mount method and concentration methods viz. flotation technique and sedimentation technique, in the laboratory of Central Department of Zoology for detection of GI parasites. A total of 73.5% of turkeys were infected with one or more GI parasites. Six different parasitic genera were identified in turkey. Among the nematodes, Ascaridia sp. (26%), Capillaria sp. (17.5%) and Heterakis sp. (16.5%) were recorded. The cestodes were Hymenolepis sp. (10%) and Raillietina sp. (6.5%), while only Eimeria sp. (22.5%) was recorded as protozoa. The study revealed that female turkey (80%) had higher parasitic infection compared to male (67%). Statistically, the difference in sex-wise prevalence of GI parasite in turkey was found to be significant (χ2=4.338; P>0.05). Finding of this study shows that the prevalence of GI parasites of turkey was the highest during summer season (78%) and lowest in winter season (69%) with no statistical significant difference in between summer and winter season (χ2= 2.079; P>0.05). Single mode of infection was high revealing that maximum number of turkey was infected with single parasites with no significant differences in the prevalence of single and mixed infection (χ2= 0.250; P>0.05). Common parasites were detected from male and female turkeys because of their similar climate, food resources and environment. No any activities on the health care of turkeys regarding the GI parasites were found. Therefore, increasing awareness of regular anti-parasitic treatments for turkeys as well as other preventative and control measures is crucial.