Gastrointestinal parasites in backyard poultry of subtropical hilly region of Meghalaya

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, species diversity and intensity of gastrointestinal (G.I.) parasitic infections in the backyard poultry of Meghalaya. A total of 1775 numbers of fecal samples were collected from different age groups viz. 28 weeks (650 nos.) and examined by flotation, sedimentation and modified McMaster techniques. Overall prevalence of G.I. parasitic infections was 37.97%. Eight species viz. Eimeria sp. (30.12%), Heterakis gallinarum (14.09%), Ascaridia galli (21.22%), Strongyloides avium (12.46%), Capillaria sp. (7.57%), Raillietina sp. (8.61%), Syngamus trachea (3.56%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum (2.37%) were recorded. Highest and lowest infections were recorded in October (52.88%) and February (26.34%), respectively. Season wise highest infection recorded during monsoon (44.71%) followed by autumn (44.34%), winter (27.22%) and spring (36.62%). Eimeria sp. was recorded highest in monsoon (33.87%), winter (27.78%) and spring (12%) seasons while A. galli (31.63%) in autumn season. Age wise variations in infections were observed in 28 (38.77%) weeks old birds. Eimeria sp. was observed highest in both 28 weeks old birds.