Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
Abstract
Lice are important external parasites due to their widespread distribution, as well as their high reproductive efficiency, tolerance to unfavorable conditions, and hiding, which makes them deadly pests for birds. The results of the study showed a high rate of lice infection in turkeys in Nineveh Governorate, with the infection rate reaching 64,16%, with a higher infection rate in females 80% compared to males 42%. The rate was also high in turkeys of older ages 85.18%, with significant differences in the infection rate depending on gender and age. Four types of lice were diagnosed Menacanthus stramineus, Menacanthus cornutus, Menopon gallinae, Lipeurus caponis, and the most common type was Menacanthus straminens 87% and the least common lice was Lipeurus caponis 25.97%, some important morphological characteristics of the identified lice species parasitizing turkeys were also studied in this study