PREVALENCE OF MITES AND FLEAS AS PRIMARY TURKEY ECTOPARASITES IN ODEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of mites and fleas as primary ectoparasites of turkeys within Odeda Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun state The survey was carried out in five selected localities within Odeda local government area. These areas include: Odeda village, Osiele, Alabata village, Obantoko and Eleweran. The study was carried out to establish if there was any relationship between certain management factors in turkey rearing and the prevalence of the ectoparasites. Structured interview guides were used to collect relevant data from 200 turkey owners while their birds were sampled to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites. Mites and fleas were collected, identified and enumerated. Ectoparasite species identification and enumeration were carried out in the Parasitology laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State. Data collected were subjected to Chi-square analysis to establish significant associations. Out of the 200 turkeys examined 94.0% were infested with one or more of the ectoparasites. There were significant associations (P < 0.001) between housing of animals, cleaning of housing, and health management with the level of prevalence of the ectoparasites. There was no significant association between the prevalence of all the parasites with supplementary feeding (P > 0.05). It was concluded that mites and fleas are ectoparasites of economic importance, and that certain of turkey management practices appear to be important risk factors as they positively influence their infestation in the study area. Also routine and strategic control measures should be factored into production to increase profit in the production, health and general welfare of the turkeys.