Intestinal Parasites of Domestic Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of intestinal parasites of chickens was carried out in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria from January to December, 2015. A total of 327 chickens of different breeds were examined for gastrointestinal infections. Fecal samples obtained from these chickens were prepared for microscopy using flotation technique. The results showed that 67 (20.5%) of the 327 chickens examined were infected with various gastrointestinal parasites. Among the infected chickens, the layers were the most susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites with a prevalence of 88.4%, while broilers were the least susceptible with a prevalence of 7.2%. It was further observed that the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal infection (37.6%) was recorded among the chickens that were kept in an extensive management system, while the lowest prevalence (9.6%) was recorded among the chickens kept in an intensive management system. Laboratory screening of the fecal samples for parasites revealed three types of protozoa: Eimeria spp. (7.7%), Histomonas meleagridis (0.6%), and Giardia lamblia (0.3%); and five types of nematodes: Ascaridia galli (7.0%), Heterakis gallinarum (1.8%), Capillaria spp. (0.9%), Syngamus trachea (0.6%), and Trichostrongylus tenuis (1.6%). Of all these parasites, Eimeria spp. was the most prevalent (7.7%), while Gardia lamblia was the least prevalent (0.3%). From the results of this study, it is evident that the chickens sold in the study area were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. Hence, it is suggested that an intensive poultry management system and regular treatment of the chickens should be encouraged in the study area.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Chicken under Different Management System in Mekelle Town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

“…A statistically significant difference was observed in the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among chickens kept under the backyard, semi-intensive, and intensive management systems. This showed that the prevalence of helminth parasites was decreased with increasing quality and modernization of the production system, which is in agreement with the study conducted in Akure, Nigeria [16]. This might be because of the hygienic environment and feeding system of the chicken in the intensive farms, which is not favorable for helminth parasites growth and transmission [7].…”

“…It is comparable with the findings reported from Barisal district, Bangladesh (91.88%), Nairobi County, Kenya (90%), and Hawassa, Ethiopia (88.5%) [13–15]. However, it was high when compared with reports from Akure, Nigeria (20.5%) [16]; this lower prevalence recorded may be because of the relatively small number of chickens (sample size) examined during the Nigerian study that involved only 85 chickens.…”

Review on avian helminthoses diagnosed in Osun State veterinary clinics, southwest, Nigeria

“…Interestingly, an overall prevalence of 62.9% was recorded in this study, suggesting that helminthoses is an important disease among avian species in the state. Within Nigeria, dispersing prevalence of 100.0%, 86.0%, 81.3%, 27.9% and 11.9% has been reported by Uhuo et al (2013), Attah et al (2013), Adang et al (2014), Jegede et al (2015) and Afolabi et al (2016) in Abakaliki, Sokoto, Gombe, Gwagwalada and Akure respectively. In other parts of the world, prevalence rate of 7.3% has been reported in Iran (Badparva et al, 2015), 10.5% in Trinidad (Baboolal et al, 2012), 51.7% in India (Naphade, 2013) and 100.0% in Zambia (Nalubamba et al, 2015).…”

“…In Nigeria, young birds are mainly kept intensively for the fear of predators, as such reducing their chances of picking up helminth eggs and its intermediate hosts. Afolabi et al (2016) reported the lowest prevalence of avian intestinal parasites in domestic birds raised intensively compared to those raised semi-intensively and extensively.…”

“…However, studies on the prevalence of avian helminthoses have been conducted in other parts of Nigeria. Ngongeh et al (2014), Jegede et al (2015), Dauda et al (2016) and Afolabi et al (2016) conducted studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes of chickens in Nsukka, Gwagwalada, Jos and Akure respectively. This present investigation was therefore undertaken to provide baseline information on the incidence and risk factors associated with avian helminthoses in Osun state, utilizing a ten year (2006-2015) data from veterinary clinics.…”