Survey of Lernaeid in Shizothorax zarudnyi from Chahnimeh lakes in Sistan, Iran.

The Lernaeid parasites, Lernaea spp, are crustacean ectoparasites that occur in a variety of fishes worldwide. In the present study, Shizothorax zarudnyi (n = 1,500) were examined during August 2012 to 2013 to determine the prevalence of Lernaeid parasites at one Species fish of Chahnimeh lakes Sistan, Iran. Two species of the genus Lernaea; L. cyprinacea and L. polymorpha, were recorded. The overall prevalence rates of L. cyprinacea and L. polymorpha were 15.47 and 10.20 % respectively. The relationship between body weight and Lernaeid parasites showed that prevalence of L. cyprinacea and L. polymorpha was highest in weight group of 250-400 g and lowest in weight group of 500-700 g. The overall percentage of infestations in study was the highest (42.5 %) in summer, moderate (33.6 %) in spring and the lowest (17.25 and 6.62 %) in the autumn and winter season, respectively. The number of detected Lernaeid parasites and infested fish were 6,140 and 800 respectively. The mean intensity of infestation was 7.68. There was significant correlation between parasite prevalence and intensity with host weight (P = 0.000). Knowledge of the prevalence of Lernaeid parasites and current Lernaea species will help to minimize the economic losses in the fish industry, evaluate infestation potential and control programs, especially for other fishes.

Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Indigenous Chickens From Dalahu Region, Kermanshah Province, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Ectoparasitism is an important factor associated with the poor production of indigenous chickens. The present study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and ectoparasite diversity in indigenous chickens of the Dalahu region in the western part of Kermanshah province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 600 indigenous chickens (250 roosters and 350 hens) were randomly examined for the presence of different ectoparasites over the period April to September 2011. Ectoparasites were collected from different parts of chicken body using a hand lens, magnifying glass, and flashlights. The samples were preserved in 70% alcohol and cleared in lactophenol. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of ectoparasites was 52.8% (66% hens and 34.4% roosters) (p<0.001). Mixed infestation was noted in 70.34% of the chickens. The prevalence was significantly higher in young (66.3%) animals compared with older animals (39.33%) (p<0.001). Five species of ectoparasites were identified: Menopon gallinae (35.3%), Menacanthus stramineus (26.7%), Argas persicus (19%), Dermanyssus gallinae (11%), and Echidnophaga gallinacea (the "sticktight flea") (8%). CONCLUSION: The results of the present investigation reveal that ectoparasite infestation is prevalent in this area. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the effects of the ectoparasites on indigenous chicken health and production in the region.

First report of an outbreak trichomoniasis in turkey in Sistan, Iran.

In June 2010, in small flock of turkeys (n = 45) that co-bred with domestic hens (n = 30) and pigeons (n = 35), a disease occurred with the clinical signs of pendulum crop, in appetence and loppy wings. Disease had morbidity (10.3 %) and mortality (6/6 %). Three carcasses and two ill turkeys were referred to the Veterinary clinic in Zabol region for diagnosis and treatment of disease. At necropsy, the oral cavity/crop small yellowish-white masses were characterized. Necrosis in mucosal of crop to gizzard increased and in the crop smelly yellowish green secretions were characterized. According to clinical and necropsy, strong suspicion to trichomoniasis was very high so for perfect diagnosing samples were taken from dead and live turkeys. Samples were taken from oral cavity, esophagus and crop mucous membranes indicated Trichomonas spp infection. 9 out of 45 pieces of turkey (20 %), 23 out of 35 pieces pigeons (65.7 %) were infected but the domestic hens were not contaminated. The result of this study indicates that tricomoniasis can be an important disease of turkeys in Iran co-bred with pigeons and domestic hens.