Goniocotes Gallinae Research Articles

Prevalence of domestic chicken ectoparasites in the east Goejam, Amhara, Ethiopia

Ectoparasites significantly impact the health and productivity of chickens, both directly and indirectly. From October 2022 to September 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the East Gojam Zone of the Amhara region, North West Ethiopia to identifying the ectoparasite species infesting free-ranged chicken. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was used to assess farmers knowledge and attitudes towards control practices. The purposeful sampling method was utilized to select study districts and peasant associations (PAs), while the simple random sampling method was employed to select interviewed respondents (n = 90) and sampled chickens. Samples were collected from 384 chickens through visual examination of their entire bodies, including skin scraps, to expose any ectoparasites present. The ectoparasites were then identified according to diagnostic guidelines. Out of the 384 local chickens examined, 184 (47.9 %) were found to harbor one or more of ectoparasites. Four genera of ectoparasites were identified, with louse (Menacanthus stramineus) most prevalent species (N = 133/184) 72.3 % and fleas (Ceratophyllidae) being the least prevalent N = 3 (1.6 %). Lice species included Menacanthus stramineus (N = 98) 53.3 %, Lipeurus caponis (N = 15) 8.2 %, Goniocotes gallinae 7 (3.8 %), Menopon gallinae (N = 7) 3.8 %, and Cuclotogaster heterographus (N = 6) 3.3 %. Additionally, one species of ticks (Argas persicus, (N = 9) 4.9 %, mites (Knemidocoptes mutans, (N = 5) 2.7 %, and fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacean, (N = 3) 1.6 % were found. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.040) in prevalence were observed between age groups, breeds, management systems, and study areas. However, the prevalence was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) between sex categories. Results from the questionnaire survey revealed that most poultry farmers were female (N = 74) 82.2 % and illiterate (N = 52) 57.8 %. A majority of respondents (N = 55) 61.1 % lacked information regarding ectoparasite infestations in chickens, while (N = 36)36.7 % of respondents fed their chickens supplementary feed once a day. This study highlights the prevalence of ectoparasite infestations among chickens in the studied areas. Therefore, it is recommended to raise awareness among the community about control practices and conduct further studies focusing on the impacts of ectoparasites.

Diversity of ectoparasites of Gallus domesticus, NGOU 1990 (Hens) and Numida meleagris, Linnaeus 1758 (Guinea fowl) reared in extensive system in the Commune of Loumbila, Burkina Faso

In addition to impacting Avian’s zootechnical performance, Ectoparasites, lead to economic declines in Avian’s production. They are also recognized as vectors of zoonotic diseases in humans. This research investigated the ectoparasites of two poultry species, namely Gallus domesticus and Numida meleagris, in a periurban area of Ouagadougou (Loumbila) in Burkina Faso. The study was done from November 2021 to March 2022. The stratified probabilistic method was used for poultry collection. Following each collection, the poultry received a meticulous examination of the body and feathers to detect any ectoparasites. Sixty-five poultry specimens were examined, yielding seven kinds of ectoparasites. The collected ectoparasites consist of two classes: Insects, which include six species (Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Goniodes gigas, Goniocotes gallinae, Lipeurus caponis, and Columbicola columbae). The Mite class was represented by a single species (Argas persicus). The host variety and reproduction mode did not correlate with parasitism. Nevertheless, the prevalence and range of parasitic organisms in poultry differed based on the rearing method. The phenomenon of polyparasitism was noticed in most poultry infected with multiple parasites. Therefore, this could negatively influence the zootechnical quality of chickens and promote the transmission of certain zoonotic diseases.

Ectoparasitic profile of apparently healthy chicken in Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria

Parasites constitute a major obstacle to poultry production, leading to significant losses in many poultry farms. The study examined the prevalence of ectoparasites on healthy poultry chickens in eight selected poultry farms in Agbani, Enugu State between the months of February and March 2023. A total of 300 chickens were examined from local and commercial farms. The farms comprised of 5 free-breed local farms (115 birds) and 3 commercial farms (185 birds) . Each of the sampled bird was placed on a white sheet of paper and examined for ectoparasite by ruffling the feathers with fine blunt toothed brush. Different parts of the body were thoroughly examined and in some cases with the aid of hand lens. Ectoparasites that fell on the paper were collected for further identification. The results showed that out of the 300 chickens sampled 130(43.3%) were found positive with ectoparasites. Two group of ectoparasites were identified from the sampled farms which were lice and mite. Lice occurred more in prevalence at 125(41.6%) in local farms than in commercial farms. Four species of lice identified were Liperus caponis (wing lice at 54(41.5%), Goniodes gigas (large chicken lies) at 33(25.3%), Menopon gallinae (shaft lice) at 31(23.8%) and Goniocotes gallinae (fluff lice) at 7(5.3%) while the two species of mite identified were Dermanyssus gallinae (red mite) at 4(3%) and Knemidocoptes mutans (scaly leg mite) at 1(0.7%). Multiple infestations of lice and mites were encountered only in local farms L2: 20(90%) lice, 2(9%) mite; L4: 18(90%) lice, 2(10%) mite and L5: 17(94%) lice, 1(5%) mite. The study indicated that ectoparasites were highly prevalent in free-breed local chicken and may be associated with poor hygienic practices. Therefore, application of integrated control strategy, good management practices and high level of proper hygiene practices are recommended.

Co-infestation caused by Goniodes pavonis (L., 1758) (Ischnocera: Goniodidae) and Goniocotes rectangulatus Nitzsch [In Giebel], 1866 on white Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus L., 1758 (Galliformes: Phasianidaede) in Brazil

The genus Goniodes Nitzsch and Goniocotes Burmeister (Ischnocera: Goniogodidae) are distributed worldwide, and exclusively parasitizing avian hosts of the Galliformes. In Brazil, there are only four species recorded: Goniodes dissimilis Denny, Goniodes gigas (Taschenberg), Goniodes pavonis (L.), and Goniocotes gallinae (DeGeer). In the present study, we are reporting the co-parasitism of G. pavonis and G. rectangulatus Nitzsch [In Giebel] on specimens of the white Pavo cristatus, popularly known as ‘white Indian peafowl’ for the first time. Furthermore, a new Brazilian locality for G. pavonis species has been reported, as well as the first time that G. rectangulatus is reported to Brazil. Additionally, we provide the first molecular information for G. pavonis.

Identification and estimation of the prevalence of ectoparasites of backyard chicken in Boloso Sore District, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia.

Poultry ectoparasites are the basic cause of retarded growth, low liveliness and poor condition of birds directly by inducing irritation, discomfort, tissue damage, blood loss, toxicosis, allergies and dermatitis which in turn reduce the quality and quantities of meat and egg production and indirectly by being mechanical or biological vectors of pathogens. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 to identify and estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites of chicken managed under a backyard system in the selected area of Boloso Sore district of Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 322 chickens of different age groups, breeds and both sexes were selected by simple random technique and examined for ectoparasite. From the total, 56.52%(182/322) of chickens were infested with one or more species of ectoparasites that mainly grouped into fleas 30.34%(98/322), lice 21.7%(70/322) and fowl tick 4.34%(14/322), there by six species of ectoparasites were identified. Among them, Echidnophaga gallinacean (stick tight flea) 30.34%(98/322) was the most prevalent ectoparasite species followed by lice species (Menopon gallinae 11.80% (38/322), Menacanthus stramineous 6.21%(20/322), Goniocotes gigas 2.48% (8/70) and Goniocotes gallinae 1.24%(4/322) while the least identified was fowl tick (Argas persicus) 4.34%(14/322). Age of the chicken was shown statistically significant (p<0.05) association with the infestation of ectoparasites in which young chicken was found more (72.5%) infested than adults (27.5%). Also, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in the prevalence rate of ectoparasites between both sexes of the chicken, in which females (71.4%) was higher than that of male chicken (28.6%). The local breed was found more highly infested (57.1%) than exotic breeds (42.9%) but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was statistically nonsignificant (P>0.05) flea infestation in adults 34.14% (43/126) than in young 28.06% (55/196), females 31.34% (63/201) than males 20.66% (25/121), and local breed 31.76% (54/170) than exotic breed 28.95% (44/152). Lice prevalence was statistically nonsignificant (p-value >0.05) higher in adults 38.89% (49/126) than young 10.71% (21/196), female 25.87% (52/201) than males 14.88% (18/121) and local breed 24.12% (41/170) than exotic breed 19.08% (29/152). Generally, the study indicated that the external parasites were highly prevalent in backyard chickens in the study area, which was associated with a lack of attention to the hygienic management system, treatment and control practices which necessitate the application of integrated prevention and control measures like awareness creation to the community on the overall effect of ectoparasites on the productivity of poultry and prevention methods.

Ectoparasitic fauna of poultry species in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Ectoparasitic fauna of 397 conveniently sampled domestic birds consisting of 213 chickens, 128 turkeys, 21 ducks, 19 guinea fowls, 8 pigeons and 8 geese were investigated in Maiduguri, Borno State. A total of one hundred and fifty-two 152 (38.29%) birds were infested with one ectoparasitic species or the other comprising of 115 (54.00%) chickens, 33 (25.78%) turkeys, 1 (5.26%) guinea fowl and 3 (37.50%) pigeons. No infestation was encountered among geese and ducks examined. The infestation rate differed significantly based on sex and age (p&lt;0.05), but not the management system. Similarly, the occurrence varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) based on locations of sampling (p&lt;0.00001) and species of poultry examined (p&lt;0.000049). Furthermore, 116 (29.21%) of the total birds examined had a single infestation with either louse, tick or mite species, while 36(9.06%) birds had mixed infestation with species from two or more of these ectoparasitic groups. Among the parasites encountered, lice present on 146 (36.77%) birds were the most prevalent, followed by mites 28(7.05%) and ticks 15(3.78%). Nine different species of ectoparasites belonging to the orders Mallophaga and Acarina were identified in the study. Menopon gallinae, Lipeurus caponis, Menacanthus stramineus, Goniodes gigas, Goniocotes gallinae and Columbicola columbae were the lice identified, while Cnemidocoptes mutans and Ornithonyssus bursa were the only species of mite identified. The poultry tick, Argas persicus was the only tick species found. Conclusively, the study revealed a high but variable burden of ectoparasitic infestation among poultry species examined, and that ectoparasites are common in minor poultry species as they do occur in chickens under different management systems in the study area. The need to investigate the diverse effects of ectoparasitism on the different poultry species is suggested here.

Prevelance and clinical signs of chewing lice in local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Menoua Division, Western highlands of Cameroon.

Ectoparasite infestations are a major concern in local poultry sector as they cause body weight loss, drop in laying performance and disease transmission. Thus, a study was conducted from April to June 2021 to assess the prevalence and clinical signs of ectoparasites in backyard chickens in Menoua, West region of Cameroon. Ectoparasites were investigated on 400 local chickens. Results showed that out of 400 chickens, 133 (33.3%) were infested with at least one species of ectoparasite. Two chewing lice including Menopon gallinae (26.3%) and Goniocotes gallinae (4.5%) and one blood-feeding louse including Menacanthus stramineus (16.0%) were identified. The prevalence was significantly associated with the sampling site (p<0.05), with the highest prevalence recorded in Balessing (49.5%), followed by Foreke (38.8%) and Bamendou (27.1%). There was a positive and significant correlation between M. gallinae and M. stramineus (r=0.329, p<0.05)), M. gallinae and G. gallinae (r=0.199, p<0.05), M. stramineus and G. gallinae (r=0.103, p<0.05). Single infestation was the most frequent (19.0%) followed by double infestation which consist of M. gallinae and M. stramineus (9.5%), M. gallinae and G. gallinae (3%), and M. stramineus and G. gallinae (1.5%). The infested chickens exhibited some degree of restlessness, frequent grooming of the feathers associated with skin irritation, itching and mechanical damage on the skin. The skin lesions were localized on the cloaca, thigh, wing, neck and chest areas of the body; petechiae as well as whitish scabs were observed on the lesions. The feathers were ruffled, and the bases of some of the feathers were gnawed as a result of lice bites. In conclusion, chewing lice occur in local chickens in Menoua Division, inducing severe clinical signs. Thus, commercial poultry farms (raising exotic breeds) with access to free range chickens (local chickens) in Menoua Division are exposed to lice infestations from these local chickens. Further investigations are required in the dry season in order to be well acquainted with ectoparasites occurring in the local chickens in the area.

Prevalence of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chicken flocks in northeast Algeria

Free-range backyard chicken breeding is gaining popularity in Algerian rural regions. Due to the natural rearing conditions, chickens are exposed a wide range of microbes and ectoparasites. Currently, little is known about the variety of ectoparasites infesting free-range chickens in Algeria. The present study was conducted over a two year period on 169 backyard chicken, with the aim of identifying and estimating the prevalence of ectoparasites on different body parts of the chickens, and their immediate environments in northeast Algeria. In total, 9943 ectoparasites were identified, and the seven most dominant species were: Menopon gallinae (82.84%), Goniodes dissimilis (15.97%), Menacanthus stramineus (13.60%), Goniocotes gallinae (6.50%), Lipeurus caponis (5.23%), Argas persicus (9.46%) and Dermanyssus gallinae (1.18%). Menopon gallinae was the most frequent isolated ectoparasite throughout the year. Soft ticks Argas persicus were isolated during spring and summer, mainly from crevices and cracks, while the chicken red mite Dermanyssus gallinae was detected in autumn with a low load on bird body parts and a high abundance in nests. These results list the most abundant ectoparasites in backyard chickens, which could facilitate the improvement of rearing management.

Phylogenetic analysis of lice infested chicken (Gallus gallus domisticus) with new records in Kurdistan of Iraq.

The domestic chickens are the most important protein sources of human populations in every part of the world; many parasites' species may affect birds. Ectoparasites can be found practically in all birds. They feed on their body components like blood, feathers. The effects of louse parasitism on birds are often severe, including retarded growth, low egg production and susceptibility to other infections and due to lice possess chewing mouthpart, it feeds on dry skin scales, scab tissues, and feather parts and it causes skin irritation and sucks blood (anemia), discomfort, loss of plumage, and decrease in productivity of the host. The aim of this study is to investigate lice genera and create the phylogenetic tree among the sequenced lice, using both mitochondrial DNA (COI gene) and nuclear gene (18S rRNA gene). Sequencing data were aligned with the sequences available in the NCBI GenBank. From October 2017 until July 2018, two hundred outdoor local chickens from three governorates (Duhok, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah), were examined for lice collection. After the morphological identification of the lice, the total genomic DNA of each louse was extracted individually and universal primers L6625, H7005 were used to amplify the DNA of mitochondrial gene COI (Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I) and three designed specific primers (18SrRSHM1, 18SrRSHM2 and 18SrRSHM3) were applied to amplify the DNA of the nuclear gene 18S rRNA. Sequencing DNA results were submitted to the GenBank, For the first time in Iraq, twelve species of chicken lice have been submitted in a GenBank with accession numbers of MN531684 from Menopon gallinae; MN524167, MN588078, MN588079 belonged to the species of Menacanthus stramineus; MN524168, MN524182, MN588080 belonged to the species of Goniocotes gallinae; MN524180, MN588092 belonged to the species of Lipeurus caponis; MN524181, MN588091 belonged to the species of Goniocotes gigas and MN588089 belonged to the species of Goniodes dissimilis.

Study of biting chicken lice and its seasonal fluctuation in Erbil governorate, Iraq

A study of the biting lice on chickens and its seasonal fluctuations of species on local chickens were conducted in four locations in Erbil governorate namely, Baharka, Kusnazan, Koshteba and Kanikurzala. Also the estimation of infesting percentage with lice and its kinds. Results revealed the occurrence of six species of biting lice on chickens, the chickens body lice (Menacanthus stramineus), the feather shift lice (Menopon gallinae), the chicken head lice (Cuclotogaster heterographus), the fluff lice (Goniocotes gallinae), the large chicken head lice (Goniodes gigas), and the wing lice (Lipeurus caponis). The infestation with M. stramineus was heavy in all locations and seasons in comparison with the other species. The highest average number of the lice on a single chicken through all seasons was in Baharka location (340.8 louse) and the highest number of lice on a single chicken was 249.6 louse during winter.

Development of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the identification of lice isolated from farm animals.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is now routinely used for the rapid identification of microorganisms isolated from clinical samples and has been recently successfully applied to the identification of arthropods. In the present study, this proteomics tool was used to identify lice collected from livestock and poultry in Algeria. The MALDI-TOF MS spectra of 408 adult specimens were measured for 14 species, including Bovicola bovis, B. ovis, B. caprae, Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus africanus, L. vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Menacanthus stramineus, Menopon gallinae, Chelopistes meleagridis, Goniocotes gallinae, Goniodes gigas, Lipeurus caponis and laboratory reared Pediculus humanus corporis. Good quality spectra were obtained for 305 samples. Spectral analysis revealed intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity that were consistent with the morphological classification. A blind test of 248 specimens was performed against the in-lab database upgraded with new spectra and validated using molecular tools. With identification percentages ranging from 76% to 100% alongside high identification scores (mean = 2.115), this study proposes MALDI-TOF MS as an effective tool for discriminating lice species.

Study on the Prevalence of Ectoparasitic Arthropods on Free Range Gallus domesticus in Two Communities in Awka

A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods in free range domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) in Amansea and Ifite communities, in Awka Capital Territory, Anambra state. A total of 112 G. domesticus comprising of 42 Adult males, 30 adult females and 40 juveniles were examined during a house to house survey for ectoparasitic arthropods. The study was carried out between June and September, 2014. The domestic fowl were caught in their roosting places at night and were examined for ectoparasitic arthropod infestation. 73.21% prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods on the chicken was recorded. Male adult chicken had higher prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods than adult females and juvenile chicken. Six species of ectoparasitic arthropods namely; Argas persicus (29.46%), Menopon gallinae (23.21%), Dermanysus gallinae (16.07%), Lipeurus caponis (12.5%), Echidnophaga gallinacea (10.71%) Goniocotes gallinae (5.36%) were recovered from infested chicken. Argas persicus with the prevalence (29.46%) was the most prevalent parasite species. Amansea community had a higher prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods than Ifite community. The difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the present study has provided information on the various ectoparasitic arthropods of domestic chicken in Amansea and Ifite communities. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods between the two communities. Therefore, further study is needed to determine the impact of infestation on the health and productivity of these birds, and evaluation of cost benefit of various control strategies need to be investigated.

Prévalence et variations saisonnières des infestations par les ectoparasites des dindons de basse-cour, &lt;em&gt;Meleagris gallopavo&lt;/em&gt;, à Sokoto, Nigeria

Entre août 2009 et juillet 2011, une étude a été conduite dans la région de Sokoto pour déterminer le taux d’infestation des dindons par les ectoparasites ainsi que l’abondance et les variations saisonnières de ces derniers. Les parasites ont été récoltés par la méthode du « dust-ruffling » (déloger les para­sites des plumes en les ébouriffant après saupoudrage de pyréthrinoïde), puis mis dans des flacons d’éthanol à 70 %, avant d’être éclaircis au lactophénol, puis identifiés au microscope. L’examen de 265 oiseaux a révélé de forts taux d’infestation ainsi qu’une grande diversité parasitaires puisque 12 espèces ont été identifiées. Quatre espèces de poux (Phthiraptera : Ischnocera et Amblycera) ont été trouvées : Lipeurus tropi­calis (chez 78 % des dindons alors que cette espèce n’avait jusqu’alors pas été mentionnée chez cet oiseau), Menacan­thus stramineus (48 %), Goniocotes gallinae (35 %) et Chelo­pistes meleagridis (33 %). Il y avait également deux espèces de tiques (Acari : Metastigmata), Argas persicus (chez 50 % des oiseaux) et Hyalomma impressum (10 %), et cinq aca­riens responsables de gales (Acari : Astigmata et Mesostig­mata) : Bdellonyssus bursa (45 %), Megninia cubitalis (32 %), Epidermoptes bilobatus (20 %), Freyana chanayi (12 %) et Cnemidocoptes mutans (10 %). Une seule espèce de puce (Siphonaptera : Ceratophylloidea), Echidnophaga gallinacea, a été identifiée. Dans de nombreux cas, les oiseaux n’étaient infestés que par moins d’une douzaine de parasites, mais L. tropicalis et B. bursa étaient en revanche très abondants sur certains dindons qui pouvaient héberger plusieurs milliers d’individus. D’autres oiseaux étaient infestés par des dizaines voire quelques centaines d’A. persicus, de M. stramineus ou d’E. gallinacea. Les infestations étaient plus fréquentes pendant la saison sèche chaude (p &lt; 0,01) et la saison chaude humide (p &lt; 0,05) que pendant la saison sèche fraîche. Ces observa­tions suggèrent qu’il serait nécessaire de mettre en place des mesures de prévention et de lutte pour réduire l’importance des ectoparasites dans cette région.

Prevalence of ectoparasites attacking helmet guineafowl, &lt;i&gt;Numidamele agridis&lt;/i&gt;, in Sokoto, north-western Nigeria

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites infesting the grey-breasted guinea fowls in Sokoto, north-western Nigeria for a period of one year, July 2010 to June 2011. In the study, the ectoparasites were recovered from the birds by dust-ruffling technique and identified using light microscope following clearing in lactophenol. From a total of 165 birds of various ages examined, 19 species of ectoparasites were recovered. They included 9 species of chewing lice as follows: Menacanthus cornutus with a prevalence of 84%, Lipeurus tropicalis 68%, Lipeurus caponis 20%, Amyrsidea powelli 80%, Goniodes gigas 70%, Goniodes fimbriatus 70%, Goniocotes gallinae 68%, Cuclotogas teroccidentalis 10%, Numidicolaan tennatus 45%;six species of mites; Rivoltasiabi furcata 20%, Epidermoptes bilobatus 20%, Megniniacu bitalis/Megninia tetraonis 65%, Bdellonys susbursa 45%, Cnemidocop tesmutans 15%; three species of ticks: Argaspersicus (Iarvae) 30%, Amblyomma variegatum (larvae and nymphs) 6%, Haemphy salishoodi 4%, and a species of flea: Echidno phagagallinacea 12%. Ectoparatises fluctuated seasonally with overall prevalence higher in the hot dry season ( p <0.01) and warm wet season ( p <0.05) than the cool dry harmattan season. It was striking that classical clinical infestations were seldom seen despite widespread occurrence of heavy burdens. Keywords: ectoparasites, guineafowls, semi-arid area, Sokoto, seasons

Diversity and Prevalence of Ectoparasites on Backyard Chicken Flocks in California.

Peridomestic ("backyard") chicken flocks are gaining popularity in the developed world (e.g., North America or Europe), yet little is known regarding prevalence or severity of their ectoparasites. Therefore, five birds on each of 20 properties throughout southern California were surveyed in summer for on-host (permanent) and off-host dwelling (temporary) ectoparasites. Only four premises (20%) were entirely free of ectoparasites. In declining order of prevalence (% of premises), permanent ectoparasites included six chicken louse species: Menacanthus stramineus (Nitzsch) (50%), Goniocotes gallinae (De Geer) (35%), Lipeurus caponis (L.) (20%), Menopon gallinae (L.) (15%), Menacanthus cornutus (Schömmer) (5%), and Cuclotogaster heterographus (Nitzsch) (5%). Only one flea species, Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) (20%), was found. Three parasitic mite species were observed: Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago) (15%), Knemidocoptes mutans (Robin & Lanquetin) (10%), and Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer) (5%). Many infestations consisted of a few to a dozen individuals per bird, but M. stramineus, G. gallinae, M. cornutus, and E. gallinacea were abundant (dozens to hundreds of individuals) on some birds, and damage by K. mutans was severe on two premises. Off-host dwelling ectoparasites were rare (D. gallinae) or absent (Cimex lectularius L., Argasidae). Parasite diversity in peridomestic flocks greatly exceeds that is routinely observed on commercial chicken flocks and highlights a need for increased biosecurity and development of ectoparasite control options for homeowners.

Ectoparasite infestation of free scavenging chickens reared under traditional backyard production system in Wolayita Zone, southern Ethiopia

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and types of ectoparasite faunas and the associated host-related risk factors in free scavenging chickens in Wolayita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Physical examination that involves hand picking and skin scrapping and laboratory investigation was employed in a total 450 chickens (198 male and 252 female).The present study revealed an overall prevalence of 40% (180/450). Three genera and seven species of ectoparasites were identified. Of the three genera, mites were the dominant ones (24.9%) followed by lice (13.8%) and ticks (1.3%).Among the seven species of ectoparasites, Cnemidocoptes mutans (61.1 %) was the most prevalent species followed by Cuclotogaster heterographus (8.9%) and Menopon gallinae(8.9%); Goniocotes gallinae(8.3%) and Menacanthus stramineus(8.3%), while Argaspersicus 3.3%(6/180) was the least identified. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in prevalence of ectoparasites with regard to sex, age and breeds of chickens except for Cnemidocoptes mutans which was more significantly (p&lt;0.05) prevalent in adults than growers and chicks, in local than exotic breeds, and in female than male chickens. This study revealed diverse fauna of ectoparasite in backyard chickens in the study area; hence integrated control strategies should be put in place to boost chicken productivity.Keywords: Lice; Mites; Prevalence; ticks; Wolayta-zone

Prevalence of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chickens, domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and turkeys of Kermanshah province, west of Iran.

This study was carried out on free-range backyard chickens, domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and turkeys from May 2012 to April 2013 to determine the prevalence and identify the species of ectoparasites in Kermanshah province, west of Iran. Of the total of 600 free-range backyard chickens (185 ♂ and 415 ♀), 700 domestic pigeons (278 ♂ and 422 ♀) and 150 turkeys (53 ♂ and 97 ♀), 389 (64.83%), 608 (86.85%) and 54 (36%) were infected with one or more parasites respectively. Eleven ectoparasites species including five of lice (50.16% Menacanthus stramineus, 13.66% Menopon gallinae, 4.83% Cuclotogaster heterographus, 5.16% Goniocotes gallinae, 2.33% Goniodes gigas), three of mites (26.33% Dermanyssus gallinae, 8.5% Ornithonyssus bursa, 7% Cnemidocoptes mutans), one of tick (78.66% Argas persicus) and two of flea (12.33% Echidnophaga gallinacea, 2% Pulex irritans) were found in the backyard chickens. The domestic pigeons were infected with six species of parasites including: Columbicola columbae (61.7%), M. gallinae (10.43%), M. stramineus (9%), D. gallinae (8.28%), Argas reflexus (74.14%) and Pseudolynchia canariensis (27.7%). The ectoparasites species recorded in turkeys were M. gallinae (14%), M. stramineus (8%), D. gallinae (12.66%), C. mutans (6%), A. persicus (24.66%) and E. gallinacean (6%). This is the first survey to determine the prevalence and identify the species of ectoparasites among free-range backyard chicken, domestic pigeons and turkeys in Kermanshah province. The high prevalence rate of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chickens and domestic pigeons indicates that parasitic infection is a common problem in this area.

Study of The Parasites of The Local Chickens (Gallus Gallus Domisticus) in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region-Iraq

One hundred and twenty chickens the local breed (Gallus gallus domesticus) were examined during the period from June to October 2012 in Duhok Province / Kurdistan Region of Iraq. To investigate the prevalence of ecto and endoparasites among them. The recorded parasites included: Two species of lice namely Mencanths stramineus with infestation rates of 34% and Goniocotes gallinae, with infestation rate of 0.8%. One species of soft tick, genus Aragas persicus, was also recorded, with an infestation rate of 4.1%. Whereas, the endoparasite examination revealed 16.6% from protozoa (Eimeria) and the presence of four nematodes and six cestode species, but no trematodes and blood parasites. The highest nematode infection rate was 46.6% with Subulura species, followed by Ascaridia galli with infection rate of 38.3%, Heterakis gallinarum with infection rate of 25% and, Capillaria with infection rate of 4.1%. Regarding cestodes, the recorded species included: Raillietina tetragona, R. echinobothrida, R. cesticillus, Fimbriaria fasciolari, Davainea proglottina, and Amoebotaenia sphenoides with infection rates of 27.5%, 24.1%, 6.6%, 1.6%, 2.5%, and 0.8%, respectively.

Prevalence and seasonal variation of mallophagan species (phthiraptera) in free-range chickens from rural localities of oran, Algeria

A total of 192 free-range chickens was randomly collected from rural localities in the region of Oran (Algeria) and examined to detect the presence of Mallophagan species and their prevalence, mean intensity and seasonal variation. Eight species were recorded, Chelopistes meleagridis, Cuclotogaster heterographus, Goniocotes gallinae, Goniodes dissimilis, Goniodes gigas, Lipeurus caponis, Menacanthus cornutus and Menopon gallinae. Goniocotes gallinae was the most prevalent lice identified (95,31%). The infection rate was higher in males compared to female chickens with a significant difference (P<0,05). The total number of Mallophagan species encountered was higher in winter season than in the other seasons.

Incidence of Ectoparasites in Broiler Chicken in Meerut

A study was conducted to observe the frequency and density of ectoparasites affecting Broiler chicken of Meerut region. In rural areas chicken form an integral part of village life & have an important social value in some countries, they are considered as an important source of income besides providing a cheap source of protein to rural people however disease are among the important constraint in the expansion of this industry. In most areas, control of disease is either lacking, very minimal or unheard of. During the study in all 82 chicks were examined, out of which 58 were infected and 24 were uninfected. The percent of infection was found to be 70.73%. Out of 58 infected birds, 31%exhibited single infection, 44.82% showed double infection and 24.13% were with triple infection. One of them was found infected with more than three ectoparasites. In all 10 different types of ectoparasites were found harboring broiler in Meerut. Parasite wise percent of infecton was found to be.Menacanthus stramineus 3%, Menacanthus cornutus 14%, Ligeurus lawrensis tropicalis 22%, Goniocotes gallinae 15%, G.dissimilis 8%, Poultry mites(Ornithonyssus bursa and Dermanyssus gallinae)75%, Fowl Tick(Argas persicus)50%, Sticktight Flea(Echidnophaga gallinacean)4%.Possible reasons are discussed in detail.