The Prevalence of Infection with Gastrointestinal Helminths in Free-Range Poultry of Zabol, Iran

Abstract

Background: As an ecological and ethical method employed for poultry farming, free-range chicken keeping is growing and is important in fostering rural farmers' livelihoods and community prosperity. This study aimed to determine the nature and prevalence of helminth infections in native poultry in Zabol, Iran.

Methods: Between 2022 and 2023, 160 chickens were acquired and slaughtered ethically, and then their gastrointestinal tracts were taken and formalin preserved in Zabol, Iran. The parasites were isolated from gastrointestinal mucus in the laboratory and characterized using a microscope and specific methods such as Acetocarmine staining.

Results: Among 160 dissected birds, 92 (57.5%) were presented with gastrointestinal parasites, with 64 (40%) containing cestodes, 16 (10%) containing nematodes, and 12 (7.5%) infected by both. Observations were made of seven different species. Ascaridia galli (A. galli) (10%), Subulura brumpti (7.5%), and Heterakis gallinarum (3.12%) represent the three main nematode species. While Raillietina tetragona (R. tetragona) (33.12%) was the most prevalent cestode, R. echinobothrida (6.25%), R. magninumida (5%), and Cotugnia digonopora (3.12%) were less common.

Conclusion: The study revealed that free-range chickens in the arid Zabol region had a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. There is a strong correlation between chicken foraging behavior and exposure to contaminated soil, with certain nematodes and cestodes constituting the most prevalent, negatively affecting bird growth, productivity, and health. Therefore, improving poultry welfare by applying parasite control measures and implementing appropriate management strategies is essential.

Keywords: Free-range chicken; Gastrointestinal parasites; Helminths; Iran.

Fig. 1:

see above the anterior and posterior ends of the nematode A. galli at 40x and 100x magnification (4x and 10x objective lenses). The images showcase several diagnostic features, including the lips, circular precloacal sucker, and the esophagus. (Original image)

Fig. 2:

See above the posterior end of the nematode H. gallinarum at 100x and 400x magnification (10x and 40x objective lenses). The images highlight several diagnostic features, including the spicules, and the circular precloacal sucker. (Original image)