Occurrence of Ectoparasites in Backyard Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in the Northeast of Tunisia

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2019
Authors:K. Kaboudi, Ben Romdhane, R., Ben Salem, A., Bouzouaia, M.
Journal:Journal of Animal Health and Production
Volume:7
Issue:3
Pagination:92-98
Date Published:01-2019
Type of Article:Research Paper
ISSN:23082801
Keywords:Backyard poultry, ectoparasite, Infestation, Prevalence, Tunisia
Abstract:

The presence of ectoparasites on birds can lead to low productivity and eventually death. This study was carried out to identify and estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites of free-range poultry (Gallus gallus), in the Northeast of Tunisia. A total of 512 birds of both sexes and aged from 1.5 month to 24 months were examined and/or necropsied. Results showed that 19 ± 3.39% (98 birds), as overall prevalence, were infested by at least one parasite specie. Young animals were more infested (13 ± 2.91%) than adults (6 ± 2.05%). There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in prevalence found during rainy and cold seasons (winter: 24 ± 6.59%; spring: 23 ± 7.83%; autumn: 20 ± 7.87%). Six species of ectoparasite were identified in the present study. Cnemidocoptes mutans (8 ± 2.35%) was the most prevalent, followed by Menopon gallinae (6 ± 2.05%), Laminosioptes cysticola (3 ± 1.47%), tick larvae of Argas persicus (3 ± 1.47%), Echidnophaga gallinacea (3 ± 1.47%) and Menacanthus stramineus (2 ± 1.22%). Infestation by one species of ectoparasite (13 ± 2.91%) was more frequently than mixed infestation (6 ± 2.05%). On the basis of these results it could be suggested that, good management, biosecurity and the education of farmers could be a vital measures to keep free from ectoparasites and improve the productivity of the chicken.

URL:http://nexusacademicpublishers.com/table_contents_detail/11/1274/html
DOI:10.17582/journal.jahp/2019/7.3.92.98
Short Title:JAHP
File attachments: 
Wed, 2020-07-29 16:01 -- Yokb
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith