Parasitic infections of local chickens from Lorestan Province, Iran

Parasitic infections of native chickens are among sources of infection for people and industrial poultry, thereby constituting health and economic problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and the identification of species of internal and external parasites of native chickens in Lorestan Province. One hundred native chickens selected randomly. Endoparasites and ectoparasites were identified using microscopic examination. Fourteen species of parasites were collected from alimentary canals, lungs and feathers of chickens. Infection rates were as follows: Raillietina tetragona 22%, Choanoataenia infandibulum 1%, Ascaridia galli 16%, Heterakis gallinarum 17%, Subulura brumpti 2%, Trichostrongylus tenuis 3% and Capillaria anatis 3%. Out of 100 chickens, 8% were infected with Syngamus trachea. Native chickens were infected with Eimeria tenella (10%), Eimeria Maxima (4%) and Eimeria Acervulina (3%). Five percent of native chickens were infected with Menopen gallinae and Cuclotogaster heteragraphus. From the 100 native chickens examined, 4% were infected with Argas persicus. It is suggested that educational programs about periodical anti-parasitic treatments are necessary for veterinarians and rural people.