Ascaridia galli in Chickens: Co-Infection dynamics, effect of production, and mitigation Strategies- A review
Anatasha Anak Napolean1, NorFarah Ain Binti Zamani1, Wong Zhi Yii1 Armiyas Shibesh Faris1, Rovina Kobun1, Mijanur rahman1, Asrol Kalam1, Juplikely James Silip1, Tyagita Hartady2, Md Safiul Alam Bhuiyan1

1Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
2Study Program of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia

Abstract

In most countries where free-range and intensive farming is gaining importance, an increasing incidence of gastrointestinal nematodes is reported. Of all gastrointestinal nematodes, A galli, a common gastrointestinal nematode in poultry, is a major risk to the health and performance of chickens, especially in semi intensive and free-range systems. The complicated dynamics of A galli infections highlight the fact that the disease tends to infect other diseases, exacerbating the clinical effects and compromising bird welfare. A galli triggers innate and adaptive immune responses in the host, while chronic infections undermine the immune system and predispose the birds to secondary infections. The presence of A galli negatively affects production traits such as growth rate, feed efficiency and egg production, leading to extreme economic losses. Some of the practises that have been mentioned to manage parasite infestation are rotational grazing, natural dewormers, improving biosecurity, tactical use of anthelmintics and combined approaches to parasite control. Efficient and sustainable management strategies for modern poultry systems can only be achieved if we understand the multiple impacts of A galli.

Keywords: A galli, co-infection, immune response, mitigation, production

Topic: Animal Production