Frequency rates of blood protozoa in geese in Slemani, Kudistan region Iraq

Abstract EN

A number of protozoa infect the blood of geese including Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp., and Leucocytozoon spp.

and are transmitted by known vectors.

The parasites occur worldwide and can cause reduced production, anemia, and even death.

The aim of the current study was to undertake the first survey of haemoprotozoa in geese in Slemani, Kurdistan Region/ Iraq from April to September 2013.

A total of 207 geese of different ages and sexes from different localities were examined for blood protozoan parasites.

Blood samples were collected from wing veins and smears stained with Giemsa’s stain.

It was found that 149 (71.98%) geese were infected with one to two types of blood protozoa.

The results revealed that 120 (80.53%) and 8 (5.37%) of geese were infected with Plasmodium spp.

and Leucocytozoon spp., respectively.

Twenty one geese (14.1%) were infected with mixed infection of Plasmodium spp.

and Leucocytozoon spp.

During the investigation there was a negative result for Haemoproteus spp.

Our results showed that the rate of infection with Plasmodium haemoparasite (80.53%) was higher than the rate of infection with Leucocytozoon haemoparasite (5.37%).The results showed that avian malaria can constitute a health problem in geese in Slemani.