The Prevalence of Infection with Gastrointestinal Helminths in Free-Range Poultry of Zabol, Iran

The study revealed that free-range chickens in the arid Zabol region had a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. There is a strong correlation between chicken foraging behavior and exposure to contaminated soil, with certain nematodes and cestodes constituting the most prevalent, negatively affecting bird growth, productivity, and health. Therefore, improving poultry welfare by applying parasite control measures and implementing appropriate management strategies is essential.