Parasitological and histopathological studies of the natural infection with Leucocytozoon simondi in geese in ninevah governorate

Abstract

This study is the first report in Mosul for detection of Leucocytozoon simondi in geese. Blood smears from ninety-six geese were collected in Nineveh governorate during July 2005 till February 2006 for detection of L. simondi. Liver histopathological sections wase also performed. The results showed that 32 geese were positive for L. simondi, with infection rate of 22.85% for young birds and 39.34% for adult geese.Males show higher percentage of infection 35.71% versus 30% in females. The infection rates according to the villages were ranged from 16% to 41.66%. Blood smears show the spindle and the spherical form of the haemoparasite. Liver histopathological sections of livers geese show coagulative degeneration and necrosis with spindle and the oval form of the parasite.