Assessing the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract parasites of poultry and their environmental risk factors in poultry in Iwo, Osun State Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to identify and estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites of poultry in Iwo local council of Osun state, Nigeria. A total of 250 layers comprising of 75 chicks, 100 growers and 75 adults were examined from five different poultry houses between April and July 2016 in different areas during the survey. Our finding showed that 62% were infected with different species of parasites. Parasites identified includes Ascaridia galli; coccidian; Heterakis gallinae (C ecal worm); Syngamus trachea (Gapeworms); Capillaria annulata (Thread worm) and Tape worm. Among the helminthes, Ascaridia, galli was the most dominant species (17.2%). Generally, there was a significantly higher coccidia infestation relative to the helminthes (P < .05). Infection was greater among adults. There was no significance in prevalence of infection in relation to the location of poultry houses. There was high prevalence of mixed infections. Parasitism could be a big constraint to production in the study area and we recommend a sustainable control strategy.

Keywords: Prevalence; Risk factors; Gastrointestinal Parasites; Stocking density; Water source; Poultry