Eimeria Species and Haemosporidia of Domestic Chickens and Guinea Fowls Sold at Selected Poultry Markets in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Parasitic diseases are a major setback to sustainable poultry production. This study determined the occurrence of Eimeria species and haemosporidia among domestic chickens and helmeted guinea fowls in live-bird markets in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: Blood samples and intestinal contents at three distinct segments of the gut were collected from 60 domestic chickens and guinea fowls each. Wet smears of intestinal contents were microscopically examined for oocysts typical of Eimeria species while thin films of blood were Giemsa-stained for the demonstration of protozoa. Results: Results revealed that 19(31.7%) and 21(35%) chickens and guinea fowls w er e positive for Eimeria spp. infection respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Eimeria spp. infections between the chicken breeds nor between sexes of both birds. Oocysts of Eimeria were mostly recovered from the caeca and small intestines of the guinea fowls and chickens respectively. Domestic chickens were infected with three different haemoprotozoa: Plasmodium spp. (23.3%), Leucocytozoon spp. (6.7%) and Haemoproteus spp. (3.3%); while Plasmodium spp. (15%) and Haemoproteus spp. (3.3%) were the only blood protozoa infecting guinea fowls. The infection rates of haemosporidia between the breeds of chickens and the sexes of both birds did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: Eimeria parasites and haemosporidia are prevalent among chickens and guinea fowls sold in Lagos State. To prevent severe economic losses in the future, appropriate control measures should be designed and implemented.