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.