Prevalence of intestinal helminths in domestic goose (Anser domesticus) in Qingyuan, Guangdong Province, China

The prevalence of intestinal helminths in domestic geese (Anser domesticus) was investigated in Qingyuan city, Guangdong province, China between October 2010 and March 2011. A total of 330 intestine samples of adult geese from representative local markets in Qingyuan city were collected and examined for the presence of helminths using a helminthological approach. The worms were macroscopically examined, counted, identified to species according to existing keys and descriptions. Three species of helminths, namely Hymenolepis coronula (13.03%), Drepanidotaenia lanceolata (2.42%) and Heterakis gallinae (2.42%) were identified. The helminth prevalence in geese from family-type small-holder farms (25.55%) was significantly higher than those which came from modern commercial farms (6%). The results of the present investigation provide useful "base-line" data for executing control strategies and measures against helminth infection of geese in this region.   Key words: Qingyuan city, China, goose, helminths, prevalence.