Prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal helminths in chicken and pigeons in Aswan, Upper Egypt

Intestinal parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia Domestica) in Egypt: update on the prevalence and species diversity

Domestic pigeons are a significant protein source in Egypt, and are also used for racing, ornamentation, and exhibition. They are susceptible to various intestinal parasites, resulting in economic losses from disease and mortality, delayed growth, and reduced productivity. There is limited information available on intestinal parasitic infections in domestic pigeons in Egypt, and reports from some governorates, e.g., Dakahlia, are lacking. In the present study, intestines and faecal contents of 782 adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were examined. These pigeons were clinically ill, i.e., had signs of emaciation, ruffled feathers, and general weakness, and were collected, over one year, from veterinary clinics as well as local bird markets in two Egyptian Nile Delta governorates; Dakahlia (n = 348) and Gharbia (n = 434). Overall, 23.53% of the tested pigeons were infected. Pigeons in Gharbia (28.57%) had a higher statistically significant (p-value < 0.001) prevalence than those in Dakahlia (17.24%). Four parasites were detected with statistically significant (p-value < 0.001) prevalence variations. Eimeria species was the most frequently detected (n = 136; 17.39%), and three species were identified; Eimeria labbeana-like (types A and B), Eimeria columbarum-like, and Eimeria kapotei-like oocysts. The roundworm Ascaridia columbae was detected in 85 (10.87%) pigeons, whereas the tapeworm Raillietina echinobothrida was detected in 24 (3.07%) pigeons. Eggs of Capillaria spp. were only detected in five pigeons (0.64%). Earlier reports on parasitic infections in pigeons from Egypt were reviewed. A brief taxonomic revision on oocysts of various Eimeria species was provided. Oocysts of several Eimeria species from pigeons display minimal differences, and have overlapping morphometrics, causing considerable confusion. Therefore, the classification of Eimeria species of Columbiformes should be thoroughly revised using both morphological and molecular data. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing pigeon parasites from a veterinary perspective in terms of proper diagnosis and control by providing essential data on intestinal parasitic infections in pigeons in Egypt based on current and published data aiming for decreased economic losses.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Ascaridia galli in chickens from Minoufiya Governorate, Egypt

Ascaridia galli causes weight loss, emaciation, anemia, decreased egg production, and sometimes, intestinal obstruction and death in birds, leading to economic losses in the poultry industry. This research aimed to record the occurrence of A. galli in free-range chickens at farmers' houses in three villages in Ashmoun City, Minoufiya Governorate, Egypt. Additionally, molecular characterization was conducted using internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region PCR and sequence analysis. A total of 570 chickens from 570 small flocks, each ranging in size from 10 to 20 free-range chickens, were investigated for the presence of A. galli. DNA was extracted from 10 adult worms collected from Shoshai and Elmanil-Dowib villages and subjected to PCR amplification and sequence analysis. The overall occurrence of A. galli in Ashmoun City was 38 %, with Elmanil-Dowib village having the highest prevalence at 45 %. The oldest chickens, over one year old, had the highest occurrence rate at 56 %, while females showed a higher occurrence (44 %) than males (15 %). The highest occurrence was observed during winter (47 %). The mean intensity and abundance of A. galli in Ashmoun were 5.52 and 2.07, respectively. The ITS-1 sequences of A. galli from Ashmoun, Minoufiya, Egypt had up to 100 % identity and clustered within the same genetic clade as A. galli from Egypt, Poland, and Bangladesh. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity analyses revealed that the sequences from Ashmoun represent a single haplotype and show no nucleotide mutations. This study presents the first report of the occurrence and genetic characterization of A. galli in Baladi chickens in Ashmoun City, Minoufiya, Egypt, thereby enhancing the understanding of A. galli epidemiology in this district and developing effective control strategies.

Morphological and molecular identification of Heterakis gallinarum in Gallus gallus and its phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA fragment in Kashmir valley, India

Heterakis gallinarum is one of the most common round worms infecting wide range of terrestrial birds including domestic fowl. H. dispar and H. isolonche are the species of same genus which infect other hosts predominantly aquatic birds, but show morphological similarities mainly females of these species are difficult to identify. Here, we described the morphologically distinct features of H. gallinarum along with identification through molecular analysis using ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA. Four hundred gastrointestinal tracts of domestic fowl were analysed for a period of 2 years. Light microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was used for determining the morphometric measurements and characteristic morphological features of H. gallinarum. A PCR based DNA sequencing of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA was used for molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis was carried out through MEGA 11. Ninety gastrointestinal tracts were found to be infected with Heterakis gallinarum. The male worm displayed well developed lateral and caudal alae, caudal end had an anal sucker, 12 pairs of caudal papillae and cloaca from which 2 unequal spicules emerged. Female had visible vaginal bends, vulva present approximately in the middle of the body, and caudal end had a long pointed tail. Sequence analysis revealed that the PCR products of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA were 600 bp in size and showed 96-98% similarity with the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences of H. gallinarum on BLAST analysis. Our ITS sequence of H. gallinarum showed a nucleotide divergence of 4.9% with H. gallinarum of Lucknow India. The phylogenetic analysis clearly differentiated H. gallinarum from the other representatives of the genus and revealed the relationship among different Heterakis species. The study revealed the infection status of Heterakis gallinarum prevailing among domestic fowl, and need of strategic control measures. The results of the study suggest that ITS rDNA would serve as a potential molecular marker in identification, diagnosis and systematics of Heterakis species.

A simple color absorption analysis of colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of Raillietina spp. in clinical samples using a 3D-printed tube holder coupled with a smartphone camera and notebook screen

A simple method has been developed for semi-quantitative analysis of the colorimetric output of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using a 3D-printed tube holder with a smartphone and notebook for the detection of Raillietina, which is the cause of Raillietiniasis affecting free-range chicken farming. In this method, a light is directed from a notebook screen to the LAMP products in the tube holder and the color absorption of the LAMP products is measured by using the appropriate smartphone application. It was found that the malachite green dye-coupled LAMP (MaG-LAMP) assay showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting Raillietina without any cross-reaction with other related parasites and hosts. The limit of detection was 10 fg/μL of DNA. A total of 60 fecal samples were infectively confirmed by microscopic examination and the results of microscopy compared with those of MaG-LAMP and triplex PCR assays. Microscopy and MaG-LAMP based on the color absorption demonstrated high agreement in Raillietina detection with kappa = 1. Rapid, simple, cost-effective, and easy interpretation of colorimetric LAMP assays and their high sensitivity make them superior to PCR and morphological investigation, demonstrating the feasibility of this assay in point-of-care screening to support farm management and solve chicken health problems. Our study presents is an alternative diagnostic method using semi-quantitative analysis of colorimetric LAMP based on the differing solution color absorptions between positive and negative reactions for infectious disease diagnosis.

Morphomolecular identification of heavy parasitic typhlitis in layer flocks: tissue response and cell-mediated reaction

BACKGROUND

Heterakis gallinarum (H. gallinarum) is a common poultry parasite that can be found in the ceca of many gallinaceous bird species, causing minor pathology and reduced weight gain. Most infections go unnoticed in commercial flocks due to the dependence on fecal egg counts, which are prone to false-negative diagnoses. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on gastrointestinal nematodes that use molecular identification methods, which could be essential for rapid diagnosis and developing efficient control approaches. As a result, the study aimed to look at the cause of mortality in layer chickens induced by H. gallinarum in Egyptian poultry farms using morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular characterization. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and cell-mediated immune responses from damaged cecal tissues were also examined.

RESULTS

Seventy bird samples from ten-layer flocks of different breeds (Native, white, and brown layers) suffering from diarrhea, decreased egg output, and emaciation were collected. Cecal samples were collected from affected and non-affected birds and were examined for parasitic diseases using light and a scanning electron microscope. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1) gene was used to characterize H. gallinarum. Our results showed that the collected nematodal worms were identified as H. gallinarum (male and female), further confirmed by COX1 gene amplification and sequence alignment. Gene expression analysis of the inflammatory markers in infected tissues showed a significant up-regulation of IL-2, IFN-γ, TLR-4, and IL-1β and a significant down-regulation of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. The mRNA level of the apoptotic cas-3 revealed apoptotic activity among the H. gallinarum samples compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results implemented the use of molecular methods for the diagnosis of Heterakis, and this is the first report showing the tissue immune response following infection in layers: upregulation of IL-1β, IFN-γ, Il-2, and TLR-4, while down-regulation of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in cecal tissue, Cas-3 apoptotic activity and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)activity with immunophenotyping of T-cells in Heterakis infected tissue.

High-performance triplex PCR detection of three tapeworm species belonging to the genus Raillietina in infected poultry

Chickens and ducks are important sources of essential proteins and nutrition for global consumption, especially their eggs and meat. Tapeworm infections in chickens and ducks are the cause of serious poultry health and economic problems in the processing of livestock and food production systems. Raillietina are cosmopolitan in distribution and are possibly the most common tapeworm parasites. There are three important species regarding avian infection, with different pathogenicity, including Raillietina echinobothrida, R. tetragona, and R. cesticillus. Co-infection diagnosis of these tapeworms using morphological analysis can be performed, but this is time-consuming and complicated. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a triplex PCR for the detection and discrimination of three Raillietina species. The triplex PCR assay specifically amplified target DNAs with no inter-specific interference and produced a specific band for each species. According to the specificity test, there was no cross-amplification with the DNA template of related parasites and their hosts. The lowest detectable DNA concentrations were evaluated and provided sensitivities of 0.5 pg/μL for R. echinobothrida, 5 pg/μL for R. tetragona, 50 fg/μL for R. cesticillus, and 5 pg/μL for the combination of DNA from all three species. Simultaneous detection limits of egg capsules and gravid proglottids was also performed, with and without feces. The interference of feces in the reaction was related to a decrease in sensitivity, but simultaneous detection of three Raillietina species in amounts lower than one gravid proglottid and ten egg capsules was still successful. Thus, this study is the first triplex PCR assay for Raillietina detection and can be utilized as an alternative diagnostic tool for the detection and discrimination of R. echinobothrida, R. tetragona, and R. cesticillus infection in poultry through the verification of fecal specimens. In addition, it could improve the performance of specific treatments and promote veterinary healthcare.

Incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigeons with an assessment of the nematocidal activity of chitosan nanoparticles against Ascaridia columbae

In this investigation, the incidence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic pigeons were evaluated, additionally, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antiparasitic activity of chitosan nanoparticles against the most predominant gut parasite. Therefore, 240 domestic pigeons (160 adults and 80 squabs) obtained from different localities in Giza governorate, Egypt, from February to July 2021, were subjected to parasitological and postmortem examination. The results revealed that 97% of pigeons were vulnerable to single or mixed gastrointestinal parasites. The detected helminths were identified as Capillaria columbae (C. columbae) with a total incidence of (12.5%), Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) (83.3.%), Heterakis gallinarum (H. gallinarum) (18.7%), Raillietina cesticillus (R. cesticillus) (7.5%), Raillietina echinobothrida (R. echinobothrida) (29%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (C. infundibulum) (22.9%), Davainea proglottina (D. proglottina) (26.6%), and Cotugnia proglottina (C. proglottina) (14.5%). At the same time, the identified protozoan parasites were Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae), and Eimeria columbae (E. columbae), with a total incidence of 25 and 79%, respectively. Helminths and Eimeria infections were higher in adults than squabs, while T. gallinae infection was reported with a higher incidence in squabs (62.5%) than adults (6.2%). From our findings, A. columbae was the most predominant gut parasite in the examined pigeons. Thus, it was subjected to in vitro and in vivo treatment with chitosan nanoparticles. Serum and tissue samples were collected from the birds which have been used in the in vitro study to evaluate the oxidative stress markers as malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide levels and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β activity also, chitosan nanoparticles- treated worm ultrastructure were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, we recommend periodic monitoring of pigeon's farm to detect the parasitic infestation, and from our results, we recommend chitosan nanoparticles as a potent nematocidal agent.

Molecular identification of helminth parasites of the Heterakidae and Ascarididae families of free-ranging chickens from selected rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa

Free-range chickens are predisposed to diverse parasitic infections during scavenging. Accurate identification of these parasites using morphological characters has been a challenge. Therefore, this study aimed to identify nematodes from the Heterakidae and Ascarididae family infecting free-ranging chickens from KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa using a combination of morphological and molecular techniques. Forty-two free-ranging adult indigenous chickens were purchased from randomly selected households in Shongweni (n=12), Umzinto (n=10), Gingindlovu (n=10) and Ozwathini (n=10) rural villages and examined for nematodes of the Heterakidae and Ascarididae family. Collected specimen were identified morphologically and confirmed using mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal markers. Results showed that Ascaridia galli was common, occurring at all sampling locations with an overall prevalence of 58.3%, while Heterakis gallinarum and H. beramporia occurred in three locations. Ascaridia galli had high prevalence in Shongweni (58.3%), followed by Gingindlovu (40%), Ozwathini (20%) and Umzinto (10%). Heterakis gallinarum infection was prevalent in three locations, with an overall prevalence of 90% in Gingindlovu, 80% in Ozwathini and 58.3 % in Shongweni. Heterakis gallinarum and H. beramporia were not recorded in Umzinto. Heterakis beramporia was recorded in low prevalence in Gingindlovu (20%), Ozwathini (10%) and Shongweni (8.3%) villages. Mixed infections of A. galli and H. gallinarum were recorded in Gingindlovu, Ozwathini and Shongweni, and H. gallinarum and H. beramporia in Gingindlovu. Molecular analysis confirmed identification of A. galli, and further showed close relationship with the GenBank-derived South African isolates. Haplotype network further confirmed their ancestral history, where all South African A. galli isolates formed five novel haplotypes corresponding with the structure of the phylogenetic tree. Similar structure was observed with Heterakis isolates, where analysis of the cox1 gene showed that H. gallinarum formed a well-supported monophyletic clade with other Heterakis species. The ITS marker identified three specimens from Gingindlovu, Ozwathini and Shongweni as H. beramporia, which formed strongly supported sister clade to H. indica and this is the first report confirming the occurrence of H. beramporia in South Africa.

Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum prevalence and genetic variance of A. galli in rural chicken from the Northern Region, Ghana

Rural chicken production in Ghana is predominantly done under the extensive system that exposes birds to parasitic infections. We investigated the prevalence of Ascaridia spp. and Heterakis spp. and as a preliminary study characterized the genetic variance of the Ascaridia galli isolates from rural chicken in Kumbungu, Savelugu and Tolon Districts in the Northern Region, Ghana. A total of 86 chickens aged 6-10 weeks were dissected and GIT inspected for nematodes. Nematode were described based on morphological features to be A. galli and H. gallinarum. Additionally, the mitochondrial cox1 gene (475 bp) of Ascaridia isolates was amplified and sequenced. The overall prevalence of nematodes was 47.67%: A. galli 37.21% and H. gallinarum 20.93%. Prevalence values of A. galli in the Kumbungu, Savelugu and Tolon Districts were 25.00%, 36.00%, 56.00%, respectively, and that of H. gallinarum, respectively were 16.67%, 28.00% and 20.00%. A Chi-square test (x² = 6.0907, p < 0.048) showed an association of A. galli prevalence to the district of origin of birds. From 20 A. galli cox1 sequences analyzed, all sequences were identified as A. galli. Two haplotypes were recorded, namely, GHA1 and GHA2. Haplotype GHA1 was found to have wide distribution globally, whereas GHA2 appear to be novel in the present study. The data shows the importance of A. galli and H. gallinarum infection in rural chicken in northern Ghana and pave way for further epidemiological study of avian nematodes.

Prevalence and seasonal dynamics of gastrointestinal nematodes of domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Kashmir, India

Objective:

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the seasonal dependency and prevalence of gastrointestinal roundworms (nematodes) infecting domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Kashmir.

Materials and Methods:

From August 2017 through July 2019, the investigation was undertaken during each of the four seasons. We tested 400 guts obtained from varied places around the Kashmir valley for nematode infestation. The nematodes found within the digestive tract were collected and identified using a variety of identification keys under the microscope. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyze the data (version 20). Chi-square (χ²) test was carried out to analyze the sample data.

Results:

196 hosts were infected with various nematodes, indicating an overall prevalence of 49% (196/400). The findings revealed that the prevalence of Ascaridia galli was 32.97% (61/185) in the first year and 35.34% (76/215) in the second year. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 20.80% (38/185) in the first year and 24.18% (52/215) in the second year, whereas Capillaria spp. had a prevalence rate of 10.81% (20/185) in the first year and 12.55% (27/215) in the second year. The overall prevalence of A. galli was determined to be 34.25% in both years (August 2017–July 2019), with a mean intensity of 4.86. Summer months had the highest parasitic load. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 22.5% and a mean intensity of 26.83. Summer was shown to have the most considerable parasitic burden. Capillaria spp. had an overall prevalence of 11.75% and a mean intensity of 4.59; autumn had the highest parasite load. The most abundant species was identified as A. galli. It was shown that there is a significant (p < 0.01) link between seasonality and helminth parasite prevalence.

Conclusion:

The study’s findings indicate that these gastrointestinal nematodes are ubiquitous throughout the year, but are particularly abundant in the summer and fall seasons among domestic poultry in the study area. This study on the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in Gallus gallus domesticus demonstrates the seasonality of infection rates and also offers various methods and techniques for framing effective strategies for controlling these helminthes to maximize profit from backyard chicken farming.

Endoparasitoses of the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) on the northern Black Sea coast of Ukraine

One of the main tasks of ecological parasitology at the present stage is to determine patterns of spread of invasive diseases of poultry in the environment through a thorough epidemiological examination, as well as to determine the main directions and factors of spread of parasites in Ukraine. Some pigeon health problems can affect their populations, but parasitic infections play an important role. Our research found that 83.3% of Eurasian collared doves examined (Streptopelia decaocto) were affected by endoparasites. The commonest helminths were Raillietina spp. with the average invasion intensity of 4.9 ± 1.3 specimens/ind., Baruscapillaria spp. and Ascaridia columbae with an invasion intensity of 4.6 ± 1.5 and 3.7 ± 2.1 specimens/ind., respectively. The commonest cestodes were Raillietina spp. with the extent of invasion of 52.2% and Davainea proglottina – 6.7%. The Amoebotaenia cuneata cestodes were recorded in 3 (3.3%) doves, and Echinolepis carioca – only in 2 (2.2%) doves. Six doves (6.7%) were infected with the nematode Ascaridia columbae and 5 (5.6%) – Baruscapillaria spp. Eimerian oocysts were found in 9 (10%) collared doves, and Trichomonas gallinae was recorded in 15 (16.7%) birds. According to the results of helminthological autopsy and identification of the isolated pathogens, 8 varieties of mixinvasions were identified. In association with the Rayetins, there were the protozoa Eimeria spp. and Trichomonas gallinae and the nematode Ascaridia columbae. Two-component invasions were registered in 78.6% of doves, three-component infestations in 14.3% and four-component infestations in 7.1% of birds. Mixed infection with Raillietina spp. + Ascaridia columbae was found in the small intestine of Streptopelia decaocto, which was also pathomorphologically observed to have catarrhal-hemorrhagic enteritis, which was accompanied by the formation of a large number of spotted hemorrhages on the mucous membrane, and in the places of attachment of cestodes - necrotic-caseous areas. Temperature and other weather conditions such as humidity, precipitation, etc. of the northern Black Sea coast affect the population size of intermediate host cestodes. Continuous monitoring of invasive diseases of pigeons of different species will help to take the necessary preventive measures against endoparasitoses of birds.

Endoparasitoses of the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) on the northern Black Sea coast of Ukraine

One of the main tasks of ecological parasitology at the present stage is to determine patterns of spread of invasive diseases of poultry in the environment through a thorough epidemiological examination, as well as to determine the main directions and factors of spread of parasites in Ukraine. Some pigeon health problems can affect their populations, but parasitic infections play an important role. Our research found that 83.3% of Eurasian collared doves examined (Streptopelia decaocto) were affected by endoparasites. The commonest helminths were Raillietina spp. with the average invasion intensity of 4.9 ± 1.3 specimens/ind., Baruscapillaria spp. and Ascaridia columbae with an invasion intensity of 4.6 ± 1.5 and 3.7 ± 2.1 specimens/ind., respectively. The commonest cestodes were Raillietina spp. with the extent of invasion of 52.2% and Davainea proglottina – 6.7%. The Amoebotaenia cuneata cestodes were recorded in 3 (3.3%) doves, and Echinolepis carioca – only in 2 (2.2%) doves. Six doves (6.7%) were infected with the nematode Ascaridia columbae and 5 (5.6%) – Baruscapillaria spp. Eimerian oocysts were found in 9 (10%) collared doves, and Trichomonas gallinae was recorded in 15 (16.7%) birds. According to the results of helminthological autopsy and identification of the isolated pathogens, 8 varieties of mixinvasions were identified. In association with the Rayetins, there were the protozoa Eimeria spp. and Trichomonas gallinae and the nematode Ascaridia columbae. Two-component invasions were registered in 78.6% of doves, three-component infestations in 14.3% and four-component infestations in 7.1% of birds. Mixed infection with Raillietina spp. + Ascaridia columbae was found in the small intestine of Streptopelia decaocto, which was also pathomorphologically observed to have catarrhal-hemorrhagic enteritis, which was accompanied by the formation of a large number of spotted hemorrhages on the mucous membrane, and in the places of attachment of cestodes - necrotic-caseous areas. Temperature and other weather conditions such as humidity, precipitation, etc. of the northern Black Sea coast affect the population size of intermediate host cestodes. Continuous monitoring of invasive diseases of pigeons of different species will help to take the necessary preventive measures against endoparasitoses of birds.

Occurrence of cestodes and comparative efficacy of Typha angustata and sulphadimidine against cestodes in Columba livia domestica (Domestic Pigeon)

The occurrence of intestinal parasites of Columba livia domestica has been on the increase, leading to high economic and production losses with more fatal cases. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of cestodes in pigeons and determine the efficacy of Typha angustata extract and sulphadimidine against these cestodes in the domestic pigeon. A total of 30 pigeons were examined. 18 (60%) pigeons were found infected with only one type of cestode species (Raillietina spp.). The difference in prevalence between males and females was statistically significant (χ² = 8.167, p = 0.004). The mean EPG count in group A (treated with T. angustata extract) before treatment and after treatment was 176 ± 4.33 and 155 ± 4.24, respectively. In group B (treated with sulphadimidine), the mean EPG calculated before treatment and after treatment was 184 ± 6.74 and 35 ± 3.53, respectively. The efficacy at day 28 of T. angustata and Sulphadimidine was 11.93% and 80.97%, respectively. It was concluded on the basis of the EPG and efficacy data that T. angustata extract had low efficacy against raillietiniasis, while as sulphadimidine, which is also used before to treat different intestinal parasites, had a good efficacy against raillietiniasis. Further studies are required to know the prevalence of other gastrointestinal parasites in pigeons and efficacy of different medicinal plants against such parasites.

Parasites of domestic and wild pigeons in the south of Ukraine

Pigeons are closely related to human life and are both a source of food and object for hobbies and sports. Parasitic diseases of birds are the main reason for their growth retardation, reduced productivity and viability. The article presents the results of studying the prevalence of trichomonosis, cestodes and nematodes among the population of wild and domestic pigeons in the south of Ukraine. According to the results of the conducted researches it is established that in the south of Ukraine endoparasitoses of domestic and wild pigeons are quite widespread, and all species of this bird are carriers of Trichomonas gallinae. At the same time, the highest rate of Trichomonas infection was recorded in Columba palambus and C. livia domestica, and the overall infestation of males is higher by 4.4% compared to females. It was determined that domestic pigeons C. livia domestica were infested with trichomonosis (27.5%) and nematodes (Ascaridia columbae, 57.1%), C. palambus – trichomonosis (32.1%) and cestodes (Raillietina spp., 82.4%), Streptopelia turtur – cestodes (Raillietina spp., 12.5%) and S. decaocto – cestodes (Raillietina spp., 71.4%) and nematodes (Heterakis gallinarum, A. columbae – 33.3% and 44.4% respectively). The overall rate of infestation of pigeons with cestodes was 28.4% and the incidence in males was higher by 3.9% compared to females. It was found that the most common species among pigeon cestodes is Raillietina spp. In addition, 22.9% of pigeons are carriers of nematodes (H. gallinarum, A. columbae and Capillaria spp.). Continuous monitoring of pigeon parasites is necessary because they, in most cases, come into contact with other species of poultry and are a source of general invasion. In terms of further research, it would be promising to study the prevalence of helminthic infestation among wild migratory birds.

The influence of hydro-meteorological conditions on the spread of chicken cestodiasis

Today one of the important problems in poultry farming and bird keeping both in homesteads and on farms is the spread of endoparasites, which cause a significant decrease in productivity and significant economic damage. Raillietinosis and daveniosis are natural focal tape helminthiases that parasitize in the small intestine of poultry. The research on chicken cestodiasis was carried out on poultry farms in the south of Odessa Region of Ukraine during 2017 and 2019. 4219 chickens of different age groups were examined, which used walking areas, with 1965 chickens – in 2017 and 2254 – in 2019. To assess the wet and dry periods with daily average temperatures above 10 °C, that is the period of active vegetation, the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient (SHC) was used (1937), according to which the spread of chicken cestodiasis was determined. In the south of Odessa Region, the moderate and severe period increased from four to seven months, at which the hydrothermal coefficient amounted to 0.4–0.8. The period of sufficient moisture at a hydrothermal coefficient of 1.0–1.5 decreased from three months of 2017 to two months of 2019 and the hydrothermal coefficient was not calculated for five and three months, respectively. In 2017, the hatching of cestode eggs with bird manure was recorded for nine months: from March (10.1%) to November (5.8%) with high rates in June (27.2%) and September (37.1%), while in 2019, cestode eggs were recorded in February (12.7%) and up to December (2.4%), that is, for 11 months, with the highest rates in May (41.8%) and September (43.9%). The species composition of chicken cestodes is represented by four species: Raillietina echinobothrida (74.2%), which dominates due to a longer low hydrothermal coefficient, as well as R. tetragona (9.8%), R. cesticillus (10.8%) and Davainea proglottina (5.2%). The invasion of ants with cysticercoid R. echinobothrida in 2017 amounted to 19.6%, and in 2019 – 25.9% with an intensity of 1 to 4 specimens.

Characterisation of gastrointestinal helminths and their impact in commercial small-scale chicken flocks in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Commercial small-scale chicken farms managed as all-in-all-out but operating with low standards of hygiene/biosecurity are increasingly common in Vietnam. These conditions facilitate the transmission of gastrointestinal helminths. However, there are no published data on helminths in these systems. We aimed (1) to determine the prevalence/burden of gastrointestinal helminths in small-scale commercial flocks in the Mekong Delta region and (2) to investigate the association between worm burdens and birds' weight and disease status. Randomly selected chickens (n = 120) from 'normal' flocks were investigated at the end of their production cycle (~ 18 weeks), as well as 90 chickens from 'diseased' flocks with signs of respiratory and/or severe disease. The gastrointestinal tract of chickens was dissected and all visible helminths were identified and counted. A total of 54.2% and 54.4% normal and diseased chickens contained helminths. Among colonised birds, the diseased ones harboured a higher mass of helminth worms than normal (healthy) birds (3.8 ± SD 8.6 g vs. 1.9 ± SD 6.3 g, respectively). Eight species were identified, including nematodes (Ascaridia galli, Cheilospirura hamulosa and Heterakis gallinarum), cestodes (Hymenolepis, Raillietina cesticillus, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona,) and one trematode (Echinostomatidae). Heterakis gallinarum was the most prevalent helminth (43.3% and 42.2% in normal and sick chickens, respectively), followed by A. galli (26.7% and 41.1%). Colonised chickens weighed 101.5 g less than non-colonised birds. Colonisation was higher during the rainy months (May-November) for both H. gallinarum and A. galli. Anthelminthic usage was not associated with reduced helminth burdens. We recommend upgrading cleaning and disinfection and limiting access to ranging areas to control helminths in small-scale chicken flocks.