Seasonal patterns of ectoparasitism of poultry in Zaria, Nigeria: A retrospective study

Abstract

A 10-year study on birds suspected of ecto-parsite infestation at the Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was conducted. The peaks of abundance were observed in the months of June (22.3%), July (18.5%), September (9.7%), October (8.7%) and January (8.7%). A conspicuous fall was recorded in August (4.9%). About 40.8% of the parasites were recorded in June and July. The most abundant parasites were Menacanthus stramineus (41.8%), Cnemidocoptes mutans (13.6%), Argas persicus (11.7%) Lipeurus caponis (7.8%), Gonoides gigas (7.8%). Other species recorded though in lower proportions were lxodid tick larvae (4.9%), Gonoides meleagrades (3.9%), Dermanyssus bursa, Echidnophaga gallinacea and Menopon gallinae recorded 0.97% each. Menacanthus stramineus occurred almost all the year round. The group of parasites were abundant in the following decreasing order lice (62.1%), mies (19.4%), ticks (17.5%) and flea (0.97%).

The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 155-160