Prevalence of blood protozoan parasites of avian species in Nsukka area of Anambra State, Nigeria.

A total of 165 avian species (110 chickens, 15 turkeys, 12 ducks, 10 each of geese and guinea fowls, and 8 pigeons) were examined for blood protozoan parasites. Blood samples were collected from the wing veins and smears with Giemsa stain. Plasmodium spp. were found in 2 chickens (1.6%) and 7 turkeys (46.6%). 5 turkeys were clinical cases. 3 (37.5%) of the pigeons were positive for Haemoproteus spp. No blood parasites were found in geese, ducks, and guinea fowls. The results show that avian malaria can constitute a health problem in poultry, especially turkeys, in Nigeria. The avian species may act as a reservoir host for human malaria parasites.