Gastrointestinal Helminths of Domestic Chickens (<i>Gallus gallus</i>) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminths infestations interfere with host metabolism, resulting in poor feed utilization, reduced growth rate and size and death, in severe cases. This study was conducted in some farms in Miango Road in Jos South Local Government Area (L.G.A.) and Yankaji in Jos North L.G.A., Plateau State, Nigeria. The main objective was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths in domestic chickens. One hundred and seventy seven intestinal and faecal samples obtained from local and exotic chickens were examined for helminths parasites using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Sixty seven (37.85 %) were infected with helminths parasites, which were nematodes had the highest prevalence (23.16 %) followed by cestodes (14.69 %). Ascaridia galli had the highest occurrences (19.21 %) while Heterakis gallinarum recorded the least frequency (0.56 %). Infection rates between intestinal and faecal samples and between local and exotic breeds were not significant. There was significant difference (P < 0.001) in the specific prevalence of helminths parasites. Education of poultry farmers on effective farm managements and integrated control of parasitic diseases needs to be intensified to reduce the infestations rates. Frequent sanitary inspection of abattoirs and butchers is necessary to prevent the contamination of meat with helminths eggs.

Keywords: Host metabolism, poor feed utilization, gastrointestinal helminths, Gallus gallus, and domestic chickens

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 33 [1] March 2012, pp. 85-89