Descriptive epidemiology of endo-parasitic fauna in layer birds (Gallus domesticus) of central Punjab,Pakistan

This paper describes a period prevalence and associated determinants of gastrointestinal (gi) parasites in layer (gallus domesticus) population of district faisalabad during march 2012 to february 2013. the live and/or dead birds (n=1996) brought to the central diagnostic facility of the faculty of veterinary science and those screened from peri-urban regions,were screened for gi parasitic fauna through standard parasitological protocols. relevant information regarding associated risk factors was recorded on a pre-designed closed-ended questionnaire. overall prevalence of gi helminths and protozoa was recorded as 26.05% and 11.32% respectively. the prevalence was highest in the laying birds followed in order by brooding and growing birds. commercially raised birds,conventional housing system,manual feeding and watering systems,crumbed-feed and soiled floor were found having positive statistical association with the gi parasitism in layer birds of the study area. this data will not only be helpful for the small holder poultry farmers to modulate their farming practices but also for the policy and decision makers to implement strategies which can minimize the risk of gi parasitism in commercial as well as backyard poultry rearing systems. © 2015 university of agriculture. all rights reserved.