Incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in a hot and humid tropical environment

Abstract

Enteric parasites of Japanese quails were investigated in 4 different farms in a hot and humid tropical environment of Puducherry in southern India. Samples were collected from the gastrointestinal tracts of freshly slaughtered birds from the local poultry slaughter shops and were screened for the presence of endoparasites. Faecal samples were processed by floatation (saturated salt solution) and sedimentation methods. Out of 60 faecal samples examined, 22 (36,66%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. During the investigation, one cestode was found in gross in the small intestine of the quail. The faecal examination revealed eggs of Ascaridia spp., Capillaria spp., and the oocyst of Eimeria spp. Out of 15 intestinal scrapings examined, 8 (53.33%) scrapings were positive for intestinal coccidiosis, and the remaining 7 (46.66%) were positive for caecal coccidiosis. It was found that most of the nematodes and protozoan parasites were more prevalent in the young age group than in the adult age group of quails. The study aimed to aid in controlling parasitic infections in quail farms by regularly combining management and adequate therapy with efficient anthelminthic.