Ectoparasites of poultry in Nsukka Municipality
Abstract:
Poultry keeping is one of the most popular types of livestock farming in the Nsukka area. It is seen as simple and uncomplicated. In Nsukka area, poultry farming serves as a major family income, as well as a form of rural employment for the youth. Household poultry is often threatened by an outbreak of ectoparasitic diseases causing significant damages to animal health. They interfere with the birds feeding habits, resulting in low productivity and financial loss. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of ectoparasites in household poultries in five different locations in Nsukka municipality. The result revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of ectoparasite amongst the species observed: Lipeurus caponis (92.3%), Menopon gallinae (96.2%), Goniodes gigas (90.4%), Dermanyssus gallinae (78.8%) and Echidnophaga gallinacean (86.5%). Lice were the most abundant and prevalent ectoparasite. Comparison of ectoparasites with age showed a statistically significant difference between adult and juvenile birds (p <0.05). While comparison within sex revealed no significant difference between male and female birds (p>0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the proportion of infection rate of ectoparasites between locations, the overall result showed a high prevalence of ectoparasite in the study area. Thus, a conscious effort is required to curb the ectoparasite burden in this area. Proper hygiene and a clean suitable environment around the poultry should be encouraged amongst farmers to reduce parasite load, and there is also a need to mount an enlightenment programme to educate the farmers on the reproductive cost of ectoparasites on their birds and how it can be prevented.
