Identification of Ectoparasites Infesting Domestic Chickens and Evaluation of Control Practices Across Production Systems in and Around Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.

Ectoparasites threaten poultry health and productivity by decreasing egg production, lowering meat yields, and transmitting diseases. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and identifying the main species of ectoparasites, as well as assessing the current control practices in poultry production systems in Dire Dawa. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024. Data collection involved visual observation of the entire bodies of chickens and interviewing the producers. Out of 768 chickens examined, 577 were infested with one or more ectoparasite species, with an overall prevalence of 75.1% (95% CI: 71.9-78.2). The most prevalent ectoparasites at the individual chicken level were fleas (35.0%), followed by lice (33.5%), mites (25.5%), and ticks (10.9%). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, age and management systems were the identified risk factors. Chickens raised under semi-intensive systems were 2.3 times (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5-3.7, p < 0.001), and under extensive systems were 3.5 times (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.3-5.3, p < 0.001) more likely to be infested by ectoparasites than those raised under intensive production systems. Adult chickens were twice as likely to be infested as young chickens (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.4-2.8, p < 0.001). In this study, 83.9% of respondents were aware of ectoparasite infestations, and 47.1% and 30.9% of them relied on natural remedies and acaricides, respectively, to control and prevent them. Lack of knowledge and the high cost of treatments were the challenges in ectoparasite control and prevention. Therefore, ectoparasites in chickens were highly prevalent, suggesting a need for targeted educational campaigns and improved access to affordable treatments, though findings from this cross-sectional study warrant validation through longitudinal research.