Helminth parasitism of domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus L.) in a subtropical high-rainfall area of India.

An investigation into the helminth parasitic infections of domestic fowl in a subtropical area of India, based on an autopsy of 532 chickens, revealed a 90.9% prevalence of infection. 10 species of helminths were encountered, of which Capillaria contorta was recorded for the first time from fowls in India. Ascaridia galli was the most prevalent species, followed by Raillietina spp. and Heterakis gallinae. The infection by trematodes appeared to be very rare. The helminth fauna of fowls in this climatic area was compared with that of fowls in other areas of the world and found to differ in respect of prevalence and incidence of various parasitic species. The role of the climate in the distribution and in regulating populations of parasitic species is discussed.