Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Domesticated Kalij Pheastant (Lophura Leucomelanos LATHAM, 1790) in Chunikhel, Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu Nepal
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Department of Zoology
Abstract
The Kalij Pheasant belongs to the family Phasianidae. Kalij pheasant is a South and
Southeast Asian bird. It is found in Pakistan, India, Nepal, and western Thailand. The
present study was conducted for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of Kalij
Pheasant in Chunikhel, Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal. Total 200
fecal samples were collected by random sampling method from October 2022 to
December 2022. The 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 200 fecal samples examined, 110 fecal
samples were positive with 55% prevalence of parasitic infection. Total five
gastrointestinal parasites were identified including one protozoan: Eimeria spp. (13%)
and four helminths (42%): Capillaria spp. (19%), Ascaridia spp. (11%), Heterakis spp.
(7%) and Raillietina spp. (5%). The prevalence rate of helminths (42%) was higher than
protozoan parasite (13%). Statistically, the difference in prevalence of intestinal parasitic
infection among study area was found to be insignificant (χ²=8.81, df=4, p>0.05).
Single infection was found to be higher than mixed infection. The heavy intensity of
Eimeria spp. was seen in three samples, moderate infection of Eimeria spp. was seen
in eight samples and Capillaria spp. was seen in two samples The study indicated that
Kalij Pheasant of Chunikhel, Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu were
susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites due to improper management of waste products
and improper handle of fecal samples. In order to minimize the GI infestation in Kalij,
droppings should be cleaned up regularly and the surrounding area should be kept clean.