ABSTRACT
Background: Although ducks are pathogen-resistant, their preferred habitat is typically a
favorable home for parasites' survival and replication, especially in tropical and subtropical areas
like Egypt. Many parasites can exploit ducks using them as ultimate and intermediate hosts.
Methods: This study screened the prevalent intestinal parasites infecting domestic ducks [Native
breed and Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata)] and their variability in Assiut, Egypt, from April
2023 to September 2024 to study. One hundred fresh intestinal samples were collected and
examined parasitologically using a light microscope. Some coccidia-positive samples were
histopathologically examined. Results: A total prevalence of 46% parasitic infection was
detected in examined ducks, categorized into single (30%) and mixed (16%). The recognized
parasites were verified into nematodes and protozoa. Nematodes included Ascaridia galli (6%)
and Trichuris spp. (2%) while protozoa oocysts were the oocysts of Cryptosporidium (42%) and
coccidian species (10%). The discriminated coccidian was identified as Eimeria anatis, Tyzerria
spp, Eimeria mullardi, and Wenyonella anatis. The histopathological examination revealed their
destructive effect on the intestinal tissue. Conclusion: the intestinal parasitic infection of
domesticated ducks is prevalent and variable in Assiut, Egypt. The current investigation is the
first report in Assiut showing the presence of Cryptosporidium infection in ducks, which could
contribute to assessing their possible role in the dissemination of Cryptosporidium species. Some
detected parasites are damaging to the intestinal tissue which may seriously cause loss of duck's
health and the nutritive value of their meat.
Keywords: Domestic duck, intestinal parasi