Incidence of ectoparasites in indigenous fowls in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha

An epidemiological study was conducted for a period of one year to know the incidence of ectoparasitic infestation in indigenous fowls in and around Bhubaneswar area. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites in indigenous fowls examined was 100%. Among the ectoparasites, the predominant infestation was by lice (81%), followed by ticks 11%, mites (6%) and fleas (2%). Five species of lice, two species of mites, two species of ticks and one species of fleas were recorded. The incidence of lice Menacanthus stramineus was highest (92.41%) followed by Goniocotes gallinae (73%), Lipeurus caponis (71.73%), Menopon gallinae (68.78%) and Goniodes gigas (39.24%). There was report of hard tick Haemaphysalis species was 14.77% and that of soft tick, Argas persicus was 2.95%. The incidence of mite Cnemidocoptes mutans was 7.17%, and Dermanyssus gallinae 3.8%, where as the incidence of flea Echidnophaga gallinaecea was 2.10%. Lice were detected throughout the year, mites and soft ticks were mainly prevalent during winter season where as the flea and hard ticks were prevalent in the rainy season. The presence of hard tick Haemaphysalis species in wattles and combs of the indigenous fowls appears to be the first record of this tick in Odisha and perhaps in the country also.