Some Ectoparasites on Chickens at Two Rural Communities in Anambra State, Nigeria

Chickens are of major cultural and economic importance in rural Nigerian communities, serving as a source of animal protein and household income. However, their productivity is often limited by ectoparasitic infestations that compromise health, welfare, and market value. A preliminary study of ectoparasites on chickens reared intensively and on free-range at Akwaeze and Ifite-Awka rural communities, respectively, in Anambra southeast Nigeria was done in the rainy season of 2024. The study focused on ectoparasite identification, species prevalence, preferred sites, and noticeable effects on infested chickens. A total of 101 intensively-reared chickens examined comprised 39 broilers, 31 hens, 21 cocks and 10 chicks. A total of 122 free-range chickens (38 cocks, 56 hens and 28 chicks) kept on deep litter or wooden cages were examined for ectoparasites across different body regions. All recovered parasites were photographed, measured and microscopically identified based on morphological features. Six species of ectoparasites recovered were Wing lice (Lipeurus caponis), Shaft lice (Menapon gallinae), Body lice (Menacanthus stramineus), Chicken mite Dermanyss gallinae), Depluming Mite (Knemidocoptes gallinae), and Stick-tight flea (Echidnophaga gallinacae). Chicken mite, depluming mite and stick-tight flea were observed only on free-range chickens. Overall prevalence of ectoparasites was 61.4% in intensively reared chickens and 68.9% in free-range chickens. Frequency of ectoparasites on preferred sites in intensively-reared chickens were 22.4%, 44.7% and 32.9% for Wing lice, Shaft lice, and Body lice, respectively. Similarly, frequency of ectoparasites on preferred sites among free-range chickens were Wing lice (14.2%), Shaft lice (20.9%), Body lice (27.6%), body mites (10.7%), Feather Depluming mites (7.3%), and Stick-tight fleas on comb (19.3%). Generally, the ectoparasites were more frequently recovered from the wings, followed by the body. The stick-tight flea was observed only on the head while Depluming Mites infested only the wings. Undesirable effects of ectoparasites observed on infested chickens were restlessness, sluggishness, stunting, damaged feathers and feather loss. The study serves to create awareness on the impact of ectoparasite infestations on chickens in the study areas. It also emphasizes the need for better management practices by poultry farmers with regard to sanitation and ectoparasite control to ensure improved poultry production.