DETECTION OF HAEMOPROTOZOA IN TURKEYS AND CHICKEN

Haemoprotozoa are protozoa parasites that inhabit the blood and tissue of their avian hosts, specifically within their intracellular and extracellular erythrocytes. This study was conducted from October 2021 to March 2022 to identify and diagnose various species of blood parasites infecting chickens and turkeys in Mosul and Erbil. A total of 120 blood samples were collected from local chickens and turkeys. Blood smears were used for diagnostic purposes. After the examination of blood smears, the results showed the overall infection rates were 60% (54 out of 90) in local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and approximately 40% (12 out of 30) in turkeys. Notably, chickens had a higher prevalence of infection in males (55.6%), whereas turkeys showed a higher prevalence in females (50%) (P < 0.05). Four species of blood protozoa were identified among chickens and turkeys: Leucocytozoon spp., Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus, spp. Additionally, Trypanosoma species were exclusively identified in the blood smears of chickens. These findings highlight a significant prevalence of haemoprotozoa infections in both local chickens and turkeys, indicating potential health risks for poultry populations. It is essential to implement monitoring and control measures to mitigate the impact of these parasites on avian health and productivity. Continued research is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage haemoprotozoa infections in poultry.