Gastrointestinal parasite in turkeys are important because they cause clinical infections and pose a zoonotic risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in turkeys raised in Konya and to evaluate the obtained data from an epidemiological perspective. The study material consisted of the feces of 86 turkeys, aged 2 months (n=76) and 6 months (n=10), from an intensive farm. Descriptive information for the sampled turkeys was recorded for each animal. Freshly collected stool samples were brought to the Parasitology Department Laboratory of Selçuk University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Stool samples brought to the laboratory were first examined macroscopically to check for cestode segments or other adult helminths. Subsequently, in order to perform parasitic examination under appropriate conditions, all stool samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites using the Native examination, Fulleborn Flotation with saturated NaCl solution, and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods. In 56.97% (49/86) of the stool samples, cysts and oocysts of gastrointestinal protozoa were observed. Giardia spp. cysts were found in 54.65% (47/86) of turkeys, and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were found in 4.65% (4/86). No helminth eggs were observed. Of the turkeys whose feces were examined at least one parasitic agent was found in 49, while no parasitic agents were found in 37. Fisher’s exact test revealed that the difference was not statistically significant (p=1.000). When evaluating alternative production models for meeting Türkiye's animal protein requirements, turkeys hold a significant place. Considering the gastrointestinal parasites in turkeys, which can cause yield loss and mortality, it is recommended that research on these factors continue.
ÇELİK et al. (Tue,) studied this question.