Gastrointestinal Helminths of Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Urua-Nka Market, Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal helminths of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) cause significant health problems leading to growth retardation, reduced egg production, increased susceptibility to diseases and economic losses in poultry farming. A study was conducted to identify gastrointestinal helminth of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and to estimate the prevalence rate in Urua-Nka Market, Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom state, southern Nigeria. Gastrointestinal content of samples collected was examined for the presence of helminth ova and oocysts using floatation and sedimentation methods. Out of the 150 samples examined, an overall prevalence of 39(26%) was recorded. Six species of helminth parasites were found. These parasites include Choanotaenia infundibulum 3(7.69%), Rallietina tetragona 7(17.95%), Davainea proglottina 4(10.26%) the Cestodes, Trichostrongylus tenuis 9(23.08%), Strongiloides avium 10(25.64%) and threadworm Capillaria annulata 6(15.38%). Chi square (ꭓ2) was used to analyze the data obtained. There was no significant difference in parasitic infection based on the number of helminth species (P = .22). There is need to educate poultry farmers on the impact of gastrointestinal helminths infection on chicken. Appropriate management practices should be carried out regularly like deworming using prescribed medicines. This will prevent losses in egg and meat production.