PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES OF DOMESTIC DUCK IN ASSIUT, EGYPT: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE FOR COCCIDIAN INFECTION

Background: Although ducks are pathogen-resistant, their preferred habitat is typically a favorable home for parasites' survival and replication, especially in tropical and subtropical areas like Egypt. Many parasites can exploit ducks using them as ultimate and intermediate hosts. Methods: This study screened the prevalent intestinal parasites infecting domestic ducks [Native breed and Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata)] and their variability in Assiut, Egypt, from April 2023 to September 2024 to study. One hundred fresh intestinal samples were collected and examined parasitologically using a light microscope. Some coccidia-positive samples were histopathologically examined. Results: A total prevalence of 46% parasitic infection was detected in examined ducks, categorized into single (30%) and mixed (16%). The recognized parasites were verified into nematodes and protozoa. Nematodes included Ascaridia galli (6%) and Trichuris spp. (2%) while protozoa oocysts were the oocysts of Cryptosporidium (42%) and coccidian species (10%). The discriminated coccidian was identified as Eimeria anatis, Tyzerria spp, Eimeria mullardi, and Wenyonella anatis. The histopathological examination revealed their destructive effect on the intestinal tissue. Conclusion: the intestinal parasitic infection of domesticated ducks is prevalent and variable in Assiut, Egypt. The current investigation is the first report in Assiut showing the presence of Cryptosporidium infection in ducks, which could contribute to assessing their possible role in the dissemination of Cryptosporidium species. Some detected parasites are damaging to the intestinal tissue which may seriously cause loss of duck's health and the nutritive value of their meat. Keywords: Domestic duck, intestinal parasites, Cryptosporidium, Eimeria spp, Tyzerria, Ascaridia galli, and Trichuris spp.