Parasitic invaders: A report on Trinoton querquedulae lice and helminthiasis in a nomadic duck flock

Latchumikanthan, A., Tamileniyan, E., Jeevitha, M., Abhishek, K.Y., Veeraselvam, M., Kundave, V.R. and Velusamy, R., 2024. Parasitic invaders: a report on Trinoton querquedulae lice and helminthiasis in a nomadic duck flock. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 59(3): 369–374. A nomadic flock of 1500 ducks were sheltered in paddy fields near Orathanadu, Thanjavur district. The flock owner reported that the ducks showed symptoms like dullness, reduced feed intake, decreased egg production and body weight gain. Physical examination of the birds revealed the presence of lice over the body surface, which were identified as Trinoton querquedulae. Faecal samples were collected for screening of endoparasites revealed the ova of Echinostoma spp., Raillietina spp., Capillaria spp. and oocysts of Eimeria sp. The present study highlights the economic importance of ecto- and endo-parasitic infections in nomadic duck rearing practices.