Parasites prevalence in poultry: focusing on free range turkeys (Meleagris gallopav)

In  most  countries,  poultry  are  reared  by  traditional  farmers  due  to  the  relative  minimum  capital  needed  to  start  off,  availability  of  feed  and  the  fast  period  of  the  birds  to  grow.  This  research  was  conducted  on  turkeys  which  aims  to  study  the  abundance  and  prevalence  of  ectoparasites  from  three  localities  around  Kedah,  Malaysia.  A  total of 20 turkeys (eight males and twelve females) were examined for ectoparasites infestation  and  endoparasites  infection.  Six species of ectoparasites: five lice and a  mite  have  been  discovered.  The  most  prevalent  ectoparasite  was  Menopon gallinae  with  occurrence  of  45%.  Other  external  parasites  recorded  include  Lipeurus caponis and Megninia cubitaliswith  occurrence  of  40%,  Menacanthus pallidulus  (35%),  Goniocotes  gallinae(30%) and Chelopistes meleagridis (20%). There was a significant difference between the  ectoparasite  abundance  in  Jabatan  Perkhidmatan  Veterinar  and  Alor  Belat  Barat  [ANOVA,  F(2,17)=6.33,  p=0.009]. These  lice  commonly  found  in  the  fluff  of  the  feathers,  especially  at  the  neck,  abdomen, and wings. Lipeurus caponis was found to have the highest infestation in all male and female turkeys and Menacanthus pallidulus was noted as the less common ectoparasite  infesting  both  the  male  and  female turkeys. Endoparasite infection was recorded in two species of parasite eggs of nematodes and protozoa. Oocyst of Eimeriaspp. recorded the highest faecal egg count with  7300  epg  compared  to  Capillariaspp. with only 1200 epg. Scavenging and pecking behaviour of turkeys in barn area with unsuitable farm housing environment were the major contributing factors to the infestation  of  ectoparasites  as  well  as  endoparasites infection