Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of waterfowls and its possible public health implications in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Helminths are organisms that are capable of causing high mortality in all avian species including the domestic chickens and water fowls. This work was carried out to determine the prevalence of helminthosis and its implication in public health. In this study on waterfowls in Ibadan, pooled fecal samples from 100 waterfowls (81 ducks and 19 geese) were collected and processed using standard coprological techniques. Seventeen samples including 13 (16. 04%) in ducks and 4 (21.05%) in geese were positive for parasite, Seven different types of helminthes were identified in which 3 of the organisms were nematodes, 2 cestodes and 2 trematodes. The Heterakis gallinae (43.27%), a nematode was the most prevalent parasite followed by cestode Amoebotaenia sphenoides (18.91%). The higher prevalence of these helminth parasites was seen in samples collected from rural areas and from birds that were raised on extensive type of management. It was recommended that waterfowls should be checked regularly for signs of helminthosis and a routine of deworming schedule should be adopted for good management practice.