Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Ring Necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in Dang Valley, Nepal

Abstract

The ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a game bird originally from South Asia and is commonly found in countries such as Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Nepal. Nepal is home to various wild pheasant species while the practice of raising pheasants for human consumption is a relatively new agricultural practice in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the common gastrointestinal parasites in the pheasants of three municipality of Dang Valley, Nepal. A total of 150 fresh fecal samples 75 from male pheasants and 75 from females were collected and preserved in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. These samples were subjected to direct smear, flotation and sedimentation techniques for microscopic examination at 100× and 400× magnification. Data were analyzed using Venn diagrams, tables and bar charts and statistical analysis was carried out using R Studio. Of the 150 samples analyzed, 66 tested positive for parasitic infections, indicating an overall prevalence of 44%. Five different parasitic genera were identified in the ring-necked pheasants. Among nematodes, Heterakis spp. (12.66%), Capillaria spp. (8%), Ascaridia spp. (6%), and Strongyle spp. (5.33%) were detected. For protozoa only Eimeria spp. (12%) was identified. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in male pheasants (49.3%) compared to females (38.66%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.26). Additionally, the prevalence was highest at lower altitudes (48%) and lowest at higher altitudes (36%), with no significant statistical difference between the two altitudes (p = 0.222). Statistically, the difference in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among study area was found to be insignificant (p=0.103). Overall, the findings suggest that ring-necked pheasants in the Dang Valley are susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites. So to minimize the GI parasite in ring necked pheasant routine fecal examination and deworming should be carried out.