Helminth parasites in the intestinal tract of indigenous poultry in parts of Kenya.

L.W Irungu,R.N Kimani,S.M Kisia

doi:10.4102/jsava.v75i1.452

Abstract

A study was carried out on 456 indigenous poultry intestinal specimens from various towns in Kenya to determine the occurrence and distribution of helminth parasites in the intestinal tract of the birds. Of the specimens examined, 414 had parasites whereas the remaining 42 had none, which is an infection rate of 90.78%. The main species of helminths found in the intestines were Raillietina sp. (47.53%), Heterakis gallinarum (21.33%), Ascaridia galli (10.03%), Strongyloides avium (9.96%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (4.61%), Cotugnia digonopora (3.6%), Capillaria sp. (1.5%), Trichostrongylus tenius (1.04%) and Syngamus trachea (0.40%). Most helminths were present in both the mid- and hindguts. Syngamus trachea and C. digonopora were only found in the foregut and midgut, respectively. Although chickens from which the specimens were collected appeard healthy, the high prevalence of helminthiasis observed shows the poor level of helminth infection control practiced by the indigenous poultry keepers in the country, which might affect the health status of the birds and their growth rates. Poultry keepers should be encouraged to prevent, control and treat such cases.

Highlights

Indigenous poultry, which account for about 70 % of the Kenyan poultry population, are kept by a majority of the rural population under the free-range system of production
Out of a total of 456 specimens observed in the study, 414 were found to be positive whereas 42 were negative for helminthiasis, giving a prevalence rate of 90.78 %
Birds examined from Nairobi, Machakos and Nyahururu were all infected with helminthes whereas those from Bomet had the lowest prevalence rate (86.57 %)

Summary

Introduction

Indigenous poultry, which account for about 70 % of the Kenyan poultry population, are kept by a majority of the rural population under the free-range system of production. Indigenous poultry are a major source of protein and income to the population as they are hardier than the exotic faster-growing and more productive breeds of poultry. Several studies have been carried out on free-ranging poultry and the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the region. Other studies[3,5] showed infection prevalences of 88 % for roundworms in Leku, southern Ethiopia, aDepartment of Zoology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya. BDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya Other studies[3,5] showed infection prevalences of 88 % for roundworms in Leku, southern Ethiopia, aDepartment of Zoology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya. bDepartment of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya

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Results

Conclusion