Ecological Peculiarities of Waterfowl Parasitocenosis Distribution

Abstract

Background: Invasive diseases cause severe illnesses in birds, which become extensive and threatening under conditions of general waterfowl breeding. Objectives: The study aims to investigate the ecological peculiarities of the distribution of parasitocenoses of waterfowl. Methods: Helminthovoscopic method (Fülleborn method) was used in the research. Also, we used the incomplete helminthologic autopsy method according to K.I. Skryabin. Results: It was found that the prevalence of parasitocenosis of waterfowl in the forest-steppe zone was 76.7%, in the steppe zone 54.5%, and in the mountain-forest zone 36.7%. At low infestation intensity, the reproductive capacity of Echinostoma increases. Conclusion: Parasitocenoses in waterfowl are caused by several species, including Echinostoma revolutum, Hypodereum conoideum, and Echinoparyphium recurvatum. These parasites can cause various waterfowl diseases, including intestinal disorders, loss of appetite and weight, and decreased productivity. Mixed infestation is quite common in which waterfowl are simultaneously infected with two or more intestinal parasites. In our study, the intensity of mixed infestation in geese with a combination of E. revolutum and H. conoideum species amounted to 36%.