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