Work

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Domestic Ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos domesticus ) in Kathmandu, Nepal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Domestic ducks are important for meat, egg and livelihood production in Nepal; however, gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) remain a major health constraint affecting productivity and posing zoonotic risks. AIMS: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of GIPs in ducks raised on smallholder farms in Kathmandu, Nepal. METHODS: Fresh faecal samples (N = 130) were collected randomly using non-invasive methods, and copromicroscopy was performed after direct wet-mount and acid-fast staining techniques. RESULTS: ) revealed that the prevalence of protozoa (33.8%) was significantly higher than that of helminths (14.6%) (p < 0.05). Older ducks showed a higher prevalence than young and adult ducks. Additionally, mixed infections were more common than single infections. CONCLUSION: The findings show that single-celled protozoa, including the zoonotic Cryptosporidium sp., were the primary contributors to higher parasitic infections in ducks than helminths. These findings provide baseline information on duck parasitism and its potential risks to humans. More epidemiological and long-term studies are needed to better understand risk factors, transmission dynamics and the effectiveness of potential parasite control strategies.

Source: Veterinary Medicine and Science

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.71165

Authors: Priyanka Mandal, Roshan Babu Adhikari, Tirth Raj Ghimire

Institutions: Tribhuvan University, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Services

Language: English

Topic: Bird parasitology and diseases

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,880