Prevalence of Eomenacanthus stramineus (Insecta, Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Menoponidae) on poultry birds (Gallus gallus F. Domesticus ) of Jaunpur

A total of 1,020 poultry birds belonging to twelve different localities of Jaunpur district were surveyed during May 2006 to April 2007 to record the prevalence rate of Eomenacanthus  stramineus . Prevalence of E. stramineus was noted more or less similar in both the sexes (Male – 38% and Female – 39%). Maximum birds bore very low infestation (32%) while only 7% birds exhibited very heavily infestation. Host sex, feather colour and locality had negligible effect on prevalence rate. However, prevalence rate remained slightly higher on birds with poor plumage/health. Significant positive correlation existed between mean monthly prevalence rate and mean monthly temperature as well as photoperiod. Mean monthly incidence rate were recorded higher during summer (May and June) as compared to winter months