Occurrence of Eimeria spp. and Intestinal Helminths in Free-Range Chickens from Northwest and Central Romania.

ROMANIA; TRANSYLVANIA (Romania)

Simple Summary: In the context of backyard poultry raising, a notable concern arises regarding the susceptibility to parasitic infections. The poultry industry holds a crucial position in ensuring food safety and nutritional requirements, emerging as the most rapidly advancing agricultural sub-sector. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chickens raised in the backyard system within the northwestern and central regions of Romania. Fecal samples were collected and tested using flotation, McMaster, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) methods. The overall prevalence of infection with gastrointestinal parasites was 53.1%. Intestinal parasites demonstrate a pronounced prevalence within the context of backyard poultry flocks, and the substantial burdens imposed by these parasites can deleteriously influence both avian productivity and economic considerations. Chickens raised in backyard free-range systems are confronted with a significant threat of parasitic infections. Among the parasitic agents, protozoa belonging to the genus Eimeria and helminths, including Ascaridia galli, Capillaria spp., Heterakis gallinarum, and Strongyloides avium, stand out as the most prevalent. The sampling protocol included sixteen localities in four counties within the Transylvania region of Romania. Fecal samples were collected from chickens reared in a backyard system. Fecal samples were screened for oocysts (O) and eggs (E) by flotation method, and their number per gram of feces (OPG/EPG) was calculated after counting them by McMaster method. Positive samples for Eimeria spp. were further analyzed by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method to identify the Eimeria species. A total of 145 flocks were tested and the overall prevalence of infection was 53.1%. The most prevalent infections were with A. galli/H. gallinarum (25.5%), and Eimeria spp. (24.8%), followed by Capillaria spp. and strongyles. The mean OPG/EPG values were as follows: 63,577 for Eimeria spp., 157 for Ascaridia/Heterakis, 362 for Capillaria spp., and 1671 for Strongyle eggs. Identified Eimeria species were E. acervulina (41.7%), E. tenella (27.8%), E. praecox (16.7%), E. brunetti (16.7%), OTUy (operational taxonomic unit y) (8.3%), OTUz (operational taxonomic unit z) (8.3%) and E. mitis (5.6%). Intestinal parasites exhibit a high prevalence among chickens in backyard poultry flocks, and the presence of significant parasite burdens can adversely affect both productive and economic aspects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study that aimed to analyze the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chickens raised in a backyard free-range system in Romania, and the first report of OTUy species in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]