Morphology and Seasonal variation of fowl tape worm, Raillietina tetragona (Molin, 1858 in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India

The tape worm, Raillictina tctragona (Molin 1858) is a common parasite of domestic fowl, Gallus domcsticus in West Bengal. This cestode parasite plays a significant role in growth and reproduction of fowl. In the current study, Light microscopic (LM) examination showed that the present cestode has a minute pin like scolex or head (18.98 mu m - 19.76 mu m) and a long flat body divided into immature, mature and gravid proglottids. Head bears a rostellum (2.94 -3.11 mu m), four acetabula (6.79 mu m - 7.4 mu m) and followed by a neck (15.1 mu m - 16.27 mu m). Seasonal variation of R. tctragona from Gallus domcsticus in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India has been studied through two years span (January, 2016 to December, 2017). Monthly variations of infection of Raillictina tctragona showed comparatively higher prevalence in hot summer months (58.33 - 70 %) and humid rainy season (80-95.24%) and lower prevalence during winter season (0 - 10%). Mean intensity of Raillictina tetragona was also higher in summer (1-2.5) and rainy season (3.36-10.2). The present study on the morphology and seasonal prevalence of Raillictina tctragona in Purba Bardhaman region of West Bengal showed that more awareness should be focused towards upgrading and maintenance of the local free ranging chicken breeds.