Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in chickens in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is a neglected parasitic zoonotic disease known to cause diarrhoea in humans, domestic animals, and wild vertebrates and has serious public health threats.  Globally, poultry production is one of the most lucrative businesses and serves as a major source of protein due to its high demand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in chickens in Maiduguri metropolis. A total of one hundred and seventy faecal samples were collected from live bird markets, chicken slaughter slabs, and backyard poultry farms and surrounding environmental samples. Sex, age, and diarrhoea condition of the chickens were recorded. Samples were processed and analysed according to a standard operating procedure. The study recorded an overall prevalence of 2.4% Cryptosporidium oocysts in chickens. This prevalence was higher in females (3.4%) and local chickens (4.5%), compared to males (1.2%) and exotic birds (0%). Only slaughter slabs had a prevalence of 5%. There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) association between location, sex, chicken type, and Cryptosporidium oocysts prevalence. The study recommends that poultry faeces and contaminated poultry meat should be hygienically handled to prevent infection. Poultry farmers, consumers and handlers should be educated on the hygienic measures to be taken.