Avian Haemosporidium Effects on some blood parameters of free range chickens.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.1.02Keywords:
Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, hematology, bilirubin, chickens, LibyaAbstract
Background: Avian hemoparasites pose a major risk to poultry farming in North African nations; however, there is limited information on their prevalence and effects in Libya.. Objective: This research aimed to assess the occurrence of blood parasites in domestic chickens across Libya and to analyze their influence on complete blood count (CBC) and bilirubin levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 domestic chickens were studied, collected from different regions of Libya. Blood samples were taken and analyzed using the Giemsa staining method for parasite detection. Hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume (PCV), along with total bilirubin levels, were recorded. The chickens were divided into infected (n=27) and non-infected (n=23) groups. Results: Microscopic analysis identified three types of hemoparasites: Leucocytozoon spp. (11.1%), Haemoproteus spp. (18.5%), and Plasmodium spp. (14.8%). Infected chickens exhibited a marked decrease in RBC count (2.1±0.4 vs 2.9±0.5 ×10⁶/μL, p<0.01), hemoglobin levels (9.2±1.8 vs 11.8±2.1 g/dL, p<0.01), and PCV (24.3±4.2 vs 31.5±5.1%, p<0.01) when compared to non-infected ones. Moreover, total bilirubin levels rose significantly in infected chickens (0.68±0.15 vs 0.32±0.08 mg/dL, p<0.001), and the WBC count was higher in the infected group (23.4±3.2 vs 16.8±2.5 ×10³/μL, p<0.01). Conclusion: Blood parasites are widespread among domestic chickens in Libya, leading to significant changes in hematological parameters such as anemia and elevated bilirubin levels. These findings suggest a potential negative impact on poultry health and productivity.
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