Ectoparasite infestation of free scavenging chickens reared under traditional backyard production system in Wolayita Zone, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and types of ectoparasite faunas and the associated host-related risk factors in free scavenging chickens in Wolayita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Physical examination that involves hand picking and skin scrapping and laboratory investigation was employed in a total 450 chickens (198 male and 252 female).The present study revealed an overall prevalence of 40% (180/450). Three genera and seven species of ectoparasites were identified. Of the three genera, mites were the dominant ones (24.9%) followed by lice (13.8%) and ticks (1.3%).Among the seven species of ectoparasites, Cnemidocoptes mutans (61.1 %) was the most prevalent species followed by Cuclotogaster heterographus (8.9%) a nd Menopon gallinae(8.9%); Goniocotes gallinae(8.3%) and Menacanthus stramineus(8.3%), while Argaspersicus 3.3%(6/180) was the least identified. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in prevalence of ectoparasites with regard to sex, age and breeds of chickens except for Cnemidocoptes mutans which was more significantly (p<0.05) prevalent in adults than growers and chicks, in local than exotic breeds, and in female th an male chickens. This study revealed diverse fauna of ectoparasite in backyard chickens in the study area; hence integrated control strategies should be put in place to boost chicken productivity.

Prevalence of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chicken flocks in northeast Algeria

“…These findings support other reports (Bala et al, 2011;Sabuni et al, 2011), though some authors have stated that females are more exposed to ectoparasite infestations than males (Biu et al, 2007;Zeryehun and Yohannes, 2015). This could be explained by the fact that females spend more time in the nest, in contact with the environment, which increase the risk of exposure to parasites (Zeryehun and Yohannes, 2015). In terms of the seasonal effect on infestation rates, the chewing lice collected in this experimental study had year-round activity, with the exception of L. caponis, which was not observed during winter and summer.…”

“…Sex was not found to have a significant effect on infestation rate. These findings support other reports (Bala et al, 2011;Sabuni et al, 2011), though some authors have stated that females are more exposed to ectoparasite infestations than males (Biu et al, 2007;Zeryehun and Yohannes, 2015). This could be explained by the fact that females spend more time in the nest, in contact with the environment, which increase the risk of exposure to parasites (Zeryehun and Yohannes, 2015).…”

Haemato-biochemical changes and prevalence of parasitic infections of indigenous chicken sold in markets of Kiambu County, Kenya

“…Arthropod ectoparasites, like fleas and ticks have a key impact on poultry production and their welfare [6,7]. They are capable of causing severe dermatitis and allergies [8]; anaemia due to blood loss [9] and can act as vectors of pathogens causing bacterial, rickettsial and viral diseases. These diseases may cause massive loses in chickens and some are of public health importance [10,11].…”

Infestación por ectoparásitos en aves criollas de Paraguay

“…En otro estudio análogo [35] no fue detectada la asociación entre prevalencia del M. gallinae con relación al sexo y a la edad de las aves. No así, para animales con K. mutans, en donde sí fue verificada una relación en cuanto a las categorías mencionadas.…”