Cross-species Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Avian Haemoparasitic Infections in Kwara Central, Nigeria

Haemoparasitism is a great menace to the health, productivity, reproductivity, and workability of animals and humans. This study was designed to determine the diversity, prevalence, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of haemoparasitic infections in chickens and guineafowls in Kwara Central, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 345 birds (326 chickens and 19 guineafowls). The wet mount and thin blood smear techniques were used to detect blood parasites. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using proportions (prevalence) and Univariate analysis (Chi-square (χ2)). A total of 315 blood samples were positive for haemoparasite(s), representing 91.30% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 87.86, 93.84) of the study population. Leucocytozoon species (spp.) (42.90%) was the most prevalent blood parasite followed by Plasmodium spp. (33.62%). Haemoproteus spp. and Aegyptianella spp. were the least prevalent blood parasites representing 32.46% and 23.77% respectively. Multiple haemoparasitic infections (37.39%) were common among poultry. Species of poultry, chicken types, age, and sex were significantly associated with the occurrence of haemoparasitic infections of poultry in the study area. There is a need for a radical approach to the control and prevention of haemoparasitic infections of poultry, so as to improve the production of the poultry sector in the country.