Occurrence of ectoparasites and gastro-intestinal helminthes infections in Fayoumi chickens (Gallus gallus Fayoumi) in Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center Poultry Farm, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Abstract

A study for ectoparasites and gastrointestinal (GI)-helminthes was conducted on 212 Fayoumi chickens raised under semi-intensive management system at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC) poultry farm from October, 2009 to May, 2010. The results of study indicated that 52 (24.53%), 34 (16.04%) and 5 (2.35%) of the examined chickens were harbouring one species of nematode (Ascaridia galli), three species of cestodes (Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona and Raillietina cesticillus) and two species of ectoparasites (Menacanthus stramineus and Menopongallinae), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in prevalence infection of cestodes between sex (males and females) and age groups. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in prevalence of infection with nematode sex (males and females) and age groups. The present study clearly indicated that Fayoumi chickens kept under semi-intensive management system in DZARC poultry farm were exposed to ectoparasites and GI-helminthes. Due attention is required to the control the parasitism. Key words: Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC) poultry farm, ectoparasites, Fayoumi chickens, gastrointestinal (GI)-helminths, prevalence.