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Prevalence of Select Intestinal Parasites in Alabama Backyard Poultry Flocks
Miranda Carrisosa1, Shanhao Jin2, Brigid A McCrea3
1Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Backyard chickens often lack biosecurity, potentially harboring parasites like coccidia and Blastocystis. This study identified common parasites in Alabama backyard flocks, highlighting risks to poultry and human health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Poultry Health
- Zoonotic Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Backyard chicken flocks are growing in popularity across the US.
- Low biosecurity in these flocks can lead to pathogen reservoirs.
- These pathogens pose risks to commercial poultry and human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in backyard chicken flocks in Alabama.
- To identify specific parasites and assess their potential impact on poultry and public health.
- To inform the development of targeted outreach programs for backyard flock owners.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 64 backyard flocks in Alabama during 2017-2018.
- Samples were analyzed for coccidia oocysts, Ascaridia, Heterakis gallinarum, and Capillaria eggs.
- PCR was used to detect DNA of Histomonas meleagridis, Tetratrichomonas gallinarum, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp.
Main Results:
- Coccidia oocysts were found in 64.1% of flocks, with low counts.
- Ascaridia spp. or Heterakis gallinarum eggs in 20.3%, Capillaria spp. eggs in 26.6%.
- PCR revealed high prevalence of Blastocystis spp. (87.5%), and significant presence of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum (18.8%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (18.8%).
Conclusions:
- Backyard flocks in Alabama harbor a variety of gastrointestinal parasites.
- Blastocystis spp. is highly prevalent, warranting further investigation.
- Findings underscore the need for improved biosecurity and owner education to mitigate disease transmission risks.
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