Prevalence and seasonal variation of mallophagan species (Phthiraptera) in free-range chickens from rural localities of oran, Algeria

A total of 192 free-range chickens was randomly collected from rural localities in the region of Oran (Algeria) and examined to detect the presence of Mallophagan species and their prevalence, mean intensity and seasonal variation. Eight species were recorded, Chelopistes meleagridis, Cuclotogaster heterographus, Goniocotes gallinae, Goniodes dissimilis, Goniodes gigas, Lipeurus caponis, Menacanthus cornutus and Menopon gallinae. Goniocotes gallinae was the most prevalent lice identified (95,31%). The infection rate was higher in males compared to female chickens with a significant difference (P<0,05). The total number of Mallophagan species encountered was higher in winter season than in the other seasons.