Prevalence of haemosporidian parasites of chukar partridge birds in Sulaimani province- Kurdistan region of Iraq

Abstract EN

This study was carried out in Sulaimani Province, Kurdistan region, Iraq during the period from April 2016 to the end of September 2016.

A total of 100 chukar partridge of different ages were randomly captured alive and their blood smear were examined microscopically using Giemsa stain.

The results of the study indicated that 60 (60% ) were infected with blood parasite.

The prevalence of infection by Plasmodium spp.

was highest 46 (46% ), while infections with Haemoproteus spp.

Were 12(12% ).

Also, a mixed infection was found with Plasmodium spp.

and Haemoproteus spp.

in two samples only.

It was concluded that the partridges are susceptible to Haemosporidian and Plasmodium parasites.

The current study was reported for the first time the existence of Plasmodium spp.

and Haemoproteus spp.

in Kurdistan region of Iraq.