Article

Helminths Fauna in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Some Domesticated and Non-Domesticated Birds of District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study aimed with the spotting and evaluation of the current status of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) helminths of domesticated and nondomesticated birds of district Karak different localities. Overall helminths prevalence was recorded 68% (82/120), highest in wild crows 83% (10/12) followed by wild quails 75% (09/12) while lowest recorded in night-angle 50% (06/12). Identified species of parasites belonging to nematodes were, namely, Heterakis gallinae 64% (53/82), Strongyloides avium 57% (47/82), Gongylonema ingluvicola 51% (42/82), Ascaridia galli 47% (39/82), Trichius trichiura (whipworm) 86% (71/82), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) 89% (73/82), the cestodes were, namely, Raillietina echinobothrida 59% (49/82), Raillietina cesticillus 57% (47/82) , Raillietina tetragona 46% (38/82), Hymenolepis carioca 39% (32/82) and the trematodes were, namely, Ascocotyle 51% (42/82), Cercarioides 62% (51/82) Echinostoma trivolvus 63% (52/82). Present study demonstrated that feeding behaviour and gender of birds play a vital role in the prevalence and infection of avi-fauna of District Karak.

Keywords: Helminths Fauna, Domesticated, Non-domesticated, Birds, Heterakis gallinae, Strongyloides avium, Gongylonema ingluvicola, Ascaridia galli, Trichius trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis