Prevalence and associated risk factors of Ectoparasites in chickens in extensive and intensive farms in Wolaita zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted with the objective of identifying the prevalence and species composition of ectoparasites of chikens and associated risk factors in Wolaita Zone Sodo Town and Sodo Zuria distinct from December 2019 to June 2020. A total of 768 chickens were selected using random sampling technique. Samples of ectoparasites were collected from different parts of the body and identified to species level under stereomicroscope. Concomitantly ages, sexes as well as other risk factors were recorded. The most frequent encountered chicken ectoparasite was lice followed by flea, mite and tick in both the intensive and back yard production systems. Species of ectoparasite identified were lice; Lipeurus caponis, Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus and Goniocotes gallinae, mite: Knemidocoptes mutans, flea: Echidnophaga gallinacea and tick: Argas persicus. In the current study, overall prevalence of lice (25%), flea (10.94%) mite (4.3%) and ticks (2.08%) irrespective of management differences was recorded. However, the prevalence in extensive (backyard) production system was found to be: 46.35% (lice), 21.91% (flea), 8.71% (mite) and 4.21% (tick) whereas in intensive production system it was: 6.35% (lice), 1.45% (flea), 0.49% (mite) and 0.24% (tick). The prevalence rate of ectoparasites in adult chicken (50.49%) was higher than in young grower (39.34%); higher in female (48.35%) than that of the male (40.57%); higher in local breed (71%) than exotic breed (29%) and higher in extensive management system (86.8%) than in intensive managements(9.22%). The finding in management system showed that there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence of ectoparasites between intensive and extensive management of chicken (P<0.05).This might be associated with lack of due attention with respect to hygienic and control system. Generally, the study indicated that ectoparasites are highly prevalent in backyard production systems than in intensive farming system and in local chickens than exotic ones.Therefore, the control of poultry ectoparasites and creating awareness to the community on the overall effect of disease on poultry productivity through training is extremely indispensable.