Prevalence of Infection with Ectoparasites among Chickens of Albaha Region-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Ectoparasites negatively affect the productive potential of chickens because they compete for feed and cause discomfort and stress to them. The current study was aimed to determine the spread of ectoparasites in the chicken farms of Baljurshi province affiliated with Albaha city and also the evaluation of prevalence and risk factors of chicken ectoparasites. A total of 125 chickens from Baljurshi region were examined to investigate for the infection of
ectoparasites. The prevalence of ectoparasite was found to be 25.6%. There was a significant difference between the ectoparasites infestation and age of chickens (100% in adult chicken); type of farms, use of medicine and maintain level of hygiene (P≤0.001); number of chickens in each farm (P<0.05). However, the sex and breed of chickens were found to have no significant impact on ectoparasites infestation. The present study has shown the infestation of chicken
mainly by three types of ectoparasites (Lice, fleas and mites). Four species of chicken lice such as Menacanthus sramineus, Menopon gallinae, Gonoides gigas and Goniocotes gallinae were found. Whereas one species of flea, Echidnophaga gallinacean and one species of mite; Dermanyssus gallina was also found. Periodic Examination of chickens at farms is recommended for early detection and treatment.