Investigation of Major Ecto-Parasite Affecting Backyard Chicken in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Backyard poultry production are considered as sources of meat and egg production. However, Parasites are among the main pathogenic agents, threatening the health of poultry and poultry products. The current study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of ectoparasite of poultry managed under backyard system started from November 2019 to April 2020 in Bishoftu town, surroundings of four kebeles; Babogaya, Danbi, 01kebele and 05 kebele in Oromia region South east of Finfinnee. 384 chickens of different age groups, both sexes and breeds were examined. Overall, 228/384 (59.4%) of chickens were infested with species of ectoparasites that mainly grouped into lice 141(36.7%), flea 79 (20.6%), and mite 8(2.1%). The prevalence of ectoparasite infection was 56(14.6%), 51(13.3%), 58(15.1%) and 63(16.4)% in Bishoftu town, Babogaya, Danbi, 01kebele and 05 kebele respectively, the difference in the prevalence of the parasites among difference kebeles were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The prevalence of ectoparasites infestation was higher in male 128(33.33%) chickens than females 100(26.04%) and higher in adult 150 (39.1%) than young chicken 78 (20.3%), high in local breeds 129(33.6%) than exotic breed 99 (25.8%). Seven species were identified with their attachments site, namely; menacanthus stremineus(13.3%) was found on skin, menopon gallinae(12.5%) was found on skin, thigh, feather and breast, goniodes gigas(5.5%) was found on skin and body feather, gonicotes gallinae (2.9%) was found on feather, lipeurus caponus(2.6%) was found on wing, skin, tail feather and a single species of flea(Echidnophaga gallinacae) 20.6% was found on eye, comb and wattle. while a single species of mite (ornithonyssus sylviarum) 2.1% was found on base of feather particularly, the vent area. In conclusion, infestation of chicken with ectoparasites was important constraint in poultry production sector. Associated with lack of attention with respect to hygienic system, treatment and control practices. Based on the results it could be suggested that, good management, biosecurity and the education of farmers could be a vital measure to keep free from ectoparasites and improve the productivity of the chicken.