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Population levels of Phthiraptera on domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) (Anseriformes: Anatidae)

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Abstract

Three phthirapteran species (two Ischnocera and one Amblycera) were recovered from hundred ducks in district Bareilly and Rampur during 2011–2012. Prevalence of Anaticola crassicornis was comparatively higher (31 %) than that of Anatoecus dentatus (16 %) and Holomenpon leucoxanthum (28 %). However, the intensity of infestation of H. leucoxanthum (22.89) remained higher than the other two species. Distribution pattern of all lice were skewed but negative binomial model was not found to be a good fit. Sex ratios of all three species were skewed in favour of females (A. crassicornis—1:1.23, H. leucoxanthum—1:1.19, A. dentatus—1:1.72) and nymphal population exceeded the adult population (A. crassicornis—1:1.26, H. leucoxanthum—1:1.12, A. dentatus—1:1.61).

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Acknowledgments

One of us, Aftab Ahmad (Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellow) expresses thanks to the University Grants Commission, New Delhi for providing funds under Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowship Scheme of U.G.C. (Reference : F-4-2/2006 (BSR)/133-398/2011 (BSR).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, 243 006, UP, India

    Aftab Ahmad & Neelima Gupta

  2. Department of Zoology, Government Raza Postgraduate College, Rampur, 244 901, India

    A. K. Saxena

  3. Department of Zoology, Bareilly College, Bareilly, 243 006, India

    D. K. Gupta

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  1. Aftab Ahmad
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  2. Neelima Gupta
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  3. A. K. Saxena
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  4. D. K. Gupta
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Correspondence to Neelima Gupta.

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Ahmad, A., Gupta, N., Saxena, A.K. et al. Population levels of Phthiraptera on domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) (Anseriformes: Anatidae). J Parasit Dis 39, 567–571 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-013-0398-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-013-0398-y

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