Parasitosis of the chukar partridge, Alectoris chukar in North Iraq.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to establish the identity of the parasitic communities of the chukar partridge from Iraq as well as reporting on the prevalence and intensity of various infections from several localities and comprising both sexes. METHODS Twenty-nine live adult chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) were obtained from several localities across the northern provinces of Iraq. Blood samples were examined for haemoprotozoa, carcasses were assessed for the ectoparasites throughout the body skins and feathers, and the alimentary canal was examined for protozoans and helminths. RESULTS All of the examined animals were infected with the 18 different endo- and ectoparasite species identified. These include 2 protozoans, 3 cestodes, 2 nematodes, and 11 arthropods. The overall figures suggest no significant differences in infection indices in terms of the host's sexuality. Pathogenicity of the parasites involved is briefly emphasised. Furthermore, the role of the chukar in the dissemination of these disease agents among populations of other avian species is discussed. CONCLUSION With the exception of C. latiproglottina, all of the species differentiated represent new records for chukar from Iraq, and the 2 coccidians are new addenda to the country parasitological list.