DIVERSITY OF ENDOPARASITIC FAUNA INFECTING MIGRATORY BIRDS VISITING WET LAND NICHES Of PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Birds migration is a seasonal activity and being influenced by climatic changes. Birds especially migratory birds act as vector for many pathogens including bacteria, virus, parasites and fungi. Parasites are potent pathogens having significant importance in veterinary and public health sectors. Present study was designed to check the endo-parasitic prevalence in the migratory bird
population of various sentinels of Punjab province, Pakistan using qualitative and quantitative microscopic examination. Overall, highest prevalence of trematodes (41.37 %) was recorded followed in order by nematodes (36.78%) and cestodes (21.83%). Non-significant association was found among the bird species; however significant variations are found among selected districts screened the bird population for endoparasitic fauna and information regarding migratory pattern and probable risk factors may help understanding the disease distribution pattern of disease from wild birds to the livestock and humans population in the selected niches of Punjab, Pakistan. The migratory nature of birds helps identify the threats for the countries involved in their routes of migration .