A Survey on Tick Infestation in Domestic Birds Sold at Gwagwalada Market, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.

Abstract

Ticks transmit a greater variety of pathogenic micro-organisms than any other arthropod vector group, and are among the most important vectors of diseases affecting animals. A survey on the prevalence of tick species infesting domestic birds sold in Gwagwalada main market, Abuja between April and July, 2015. A total of 450 birds were examined by feather separation with fingers and a pair of forceps to expose the skin of the birds for presence of the ticks. An overall prevalence of 25.6% was observed. Out of the 150 domestic fowls examined 62(53.9%) were infested, 44(29.3%) of the 150 Guinea fowl and 9(6.0%) of the 150 Pigeons were infested. Of all the ticks identified, 93(51.4%) were from the Domestic Fowls and 77(42.5%) from the Guinea fowl and 11(6.0%) from Pigeon. Thirty (32.3%) of the ticks from the Domestic fowls were Argas persicus, 25(26.9%) Argas walkerae, 20 (21.5%) Ornithodorus moubata and 18(19.4%) Ornithodorus savignyi. Similarly, 34(44.2%) of the ticks from Guinea fowl were A. walkerae, 20(28.2%) O. moubataand 23(32.4%) O. savignyi. Five (45.5%) of the ticks from Pigeon were A. persicus, 4 (36.4%) were A. walkerae, 2 (18.2%) were O. moubata and no O. savignyi. Observation on the location of tick from the hosts body showed highest prevalence was found under the wings (55.2%) and lowest on the head & neck (5.00%). The result of this research revealed that Gwagwalada market poultry section is endemic of tick infestation. Chemical control with acaricides and improved management and sanitation of the poultry cages in the market should be enforced.