PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN LOCAL AND EXOTIC CHICKENS IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted during dry and wet seasons of the year 2021 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in local and exotic chickens slaughtered at Muda Lawal and Railway slaughter slabs (MSS and RSS) in Bauchi metropolis. A total of 320 GITs were collected randomly and transported to NVRI diagnostic laboratory, Bauchi for laboratory examination and microscopy. The overall prevalence was 144 (45%) comprising six (6) difference parasites specie. Out of samples examined 76 (23.8%) tested positive at RSS while 68 (21.3%) at MSS. Of those parasites identified and tested positive at MSS; Coccidia species were the most prevalent parasites 47 (14.7%) among slaughtered chickens followed by Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Strongyloides avium, Choanotaenia infumdibulum. and Raillietina species with 14 (4.4), 7 (2.2), 5 (1.6%), 2 (0.6%) and 1 (0.3%) prevalence respectively. In the case of RSS, Coccidia sp also had the highest prevalent 44 (13.8%), followed by 13 (4.1%) for Ascaridia galli, 5 (1.6%) Heterakis sp, 3 (0.9%) Strongyloides avium, 2 (0.6%) Choanotaenia infund. and 1 (0.3%) Capillaria species. There was significant (P<0.05) difference by seasonal distribution of parasites affecting chickens. There was also significant (P<0.05) difference among age groups with highest prevalence recorded in adult ((32.5%). Even though, local breeds had highest prevalence than the exotic, there was no significant effect in prevalence rate of infection between local and exotic chickens. Also, there was no significant difference by infection rate among sexes. The high prevalence (45%) indicated Chickens in Bauchi metropolis were susceptible to infectious diseases causing cross-contamination while handling, processing and meat consumption. It is therefore, recommended that farmers should imbibed the culture of good hygiene and routine deworming to reduce losses due to parasites infestation.