Haemoproteus spp. Infection of Domestic Poultry of Bangladesh

Abstract

Haemoproteus sp. can infect a variety of avian species including domestic poultry. An exploratory study was conducted from January, 2006 to December, 2006 in different areas of Netrokona and Mymensigh district to determine the presence of Haemoproteus spp. in different types of birds. Blood samples were collected from the veins of 57 pigeons (Columba livia), 30 chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), 50 ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) and 32 quails (Coturnix japonica) and smears were prepared.  Of all the examined birds, 23.3% (7/30) chickens, 50.9% (29/57) pigeon and 12.5% (4/32) quails were found to be infected with Haemoproteus spp. All the ducks were tested negative for Haemoproteus spp. Highest presence of Haemoproteus spp. was observed among older bird in case of both chicken (13.33%) and pigeon (33.33%). In case of chickens, 20% (14/30) male were infected with Haemoproteus spp. while in female it was only 3.33% (16/30). Out of 57 pigeon 31.58% female and 19.3% male were tested positive for Haemoproteus spp. infection. Present study shows that this protozoan parasite is capable of infecting several species of domestic poultry.  Further study needs to be conducted to list different species of this parasite and determine the economic losses due to the parasitic infection along with control strategies.