Parasitic infections of free -range chickens from Golestan province, Iran

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, intensity, and species of internal and external parasites of native fowls from Golestan Province, north of Iran. During 2007, different organs of 26 and 24 adult female native fowls collected from humid parts [Gorgan, Kord Kooy, Ramian and Bandar Gaz] and dry regions [Gonbad Kavoos, and Bandar Torkaman] of Golestan Province, respectively were searched for parasite. Two blood smears taken from each bird were stained with Geimsa. External parasites and nematodes were preserved in 70% alcohol containing 5% glycerin. Cestodes were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with carmine acid for further studies. Fifteen species of parasites were collected from alimentary canals, lungs, feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows Alimentary canal Ascaridia galli [56%], Heterakis gallinarum [24%], Capillaria anatis [4%], Cheilospirura hamulosa [4%], Raillietina tetragona [58%], R. echinobothrida [6%], and Choanotaenia infundibulum [8%]; Lungs Syngamus trachea [16%]; Feathers Monopon gallinae [40%], Menacanthus stramineus [40%], Liperus caponis [32%], Goniodes dissimilis [38%], Cudogaster heterographus [8%], Dermanissus gallinae [20%] and subcutaneous nodules Laminosioptes cysticola [6%]. The frequency distribution of most species was low. L. cysticola is the first host and distribution record for Iran