Morphological Characteristics and Seasonal Variation of Raillietina (R) fuhrmanni in Gallus gallus domesticus in Maharashtra, India
Avinash B. Gholap *
Department of Zoology, Padamashi Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pravaranagar (MS), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Domestic chickens play an important role in small-scale farming systems; however, parasitic infections significantly reduce their productivity and cause economic losses. This study aimed to investigate the morphology and seasonal variation of the cestode Raillietina (R.) fuhrmanni in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Ahilyanagar District, Maharashtra, India. The study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2021. Morphological observations revealed that the parasite possesses a small scolex; a long flattened body, and is segmented into immature, mature, and gravid proglottids. The scolex is characterized by a rostellum and suckers, followed by a distinct neck and ribbon-like strobili. Seasonal analysis showed that the prevalence of infection was highest during the monsoon season (86.36%), followed by summer (50%), and lowest in winter. The mean intensity of infection was also higher in the monsoon (7.44) and summer (6.67) seasons. In conclusion, R. fuhrmanni infection shows clear seasonal patterns and may significantly affect poultry health, highlighting the need for improved management and parasite control strategies in domestic chicken farming.
Keywords: Domestic foul, cestode parasites, Raillietina (R) fuhrmanni