Prevalence and comparative analysis of gastrointestinal parasitic infection in fayoumi, backyard, and hilly chickens in some regions of South Bangladesh

Aim: Poultry is commonly affected with gastrointestinal (GI) parasites worldwide. The current study was conducted to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and their related risk factors in different types of chicken in selected regions of South Bangladesh (Chattogram Metropolitan Area, Mirsarai, Naikhongchari) for 1 year (from June, 2022 to May, 2023). Methods: A total of 250 faecal samples were collected from fayoumi, hilly, and backyard chickens and analyzed using direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation techniques, where McMaster technique was used to detect egg burden. Statistical analysis of data with STATA was carried out using chi-square tests (p≤0.05). Results: The findings revealed that fayoumi chickens had the highest overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection (39%), followed by hilly and backyard chicken. In case of fayoumi chicken, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum were found in 27% and 17% chickens respectively, with the highest infection rates occurring in 2-year-old chickens weighing more than 2.5 kg. Moreover, in hilly chicken, Ascaridia galli was most common (14%), and higher infection rates were noted in free-range and non-dewormed chickens. The fayoumi chickens had the highest egg burden (650 EPG) while the hilly chickens had the lowest (300 EPG). Fenbendazole is the most widely used anthelmintic, and some chickens continued to exhibit infections even after being dewormed. Significant damage, including obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract and inflammation, were found during postmortem examination. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that intensive farming enhances parasite transmission, and also implying better management approaches such as semi-intensive raising and deworming may minimize infections in hilly chickens.