Multiple gastrointestinal nematodal and cestodial parasitoses in a backyard fowl

Abstract

Concurrent nematodal and cestodial parasitic infections was documented in a backyard free ranging poultry flock in the delta region of Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. The flock had a history of dull and depressed birds with reduced body weight and was not taking feed and water for past 3 days. Total of 67 birds were examined and out of which one bird was found dead. Clinical investigations revealed multiple gastrointestinal parasites in proventriculus, gizzard and small intestine. Parasites taken from the proventriculus were confirmed as Dispharynx spiralis, and worms taken from small intestine were confirmed as Ascardia galli and Raillietina spp. Based on these investigations deworming of remaining birds were done with Fenbendazole and Praziquantel at recommended doses. Review after a week revealed no major abnormalities in the flock.