Étude comparative de la diversité et de la prévalence des parasites gastro-intestinaux chez les poulets de chair et les poulets de basse-cour dans le sud de Sétif

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in backyard chickens and broiler chickens in the Aïn Azel region, located in the southern part of Setif Province, Algeria. A total of 60 fecal samples were collected, including 30 from backyard chickens and 30 from broiler chickens. These samples were subjected to several parasitological examinations, namely macroscopic examination, direct examination, sedimentation technique, and flotation technique, in order to identify the different parasitic stages present. The results obtained from backyard chickens revealed an overall parasitic prevalence of 53.33%. Six parasitic genera were identified: Eimeria spp., Ascaridia sp., Heterakis sp., Capillaria sp., Trichostrongylus sp., and Raillietina spp. Helminths showed the highest overall prevalence (33.33%), whereas protozoa, exclusively represented by Eimeria spp., recorded a prevalence of 26.67%. Cases of co-infection involving multiple parasitic species were also observed. In broiler chickens, the overall prevalence reached 30%. Only one parasitic species belonging to the genus Eimeria, the causative agent of avian coccidiosis, was identified. No helminth infections or co-infections were detected. These findings suggest that the rearing system plays a decisive role in the transmission of gastrointestinal parasites. This study highlights the importance of regular parasitological monitoring in poultry farms, particularly in traditional farming systems, in order to reduce health risks and economic losses associated with intestinal parasitic infections.