Abstract:
A cross sectional study was conducted from January 2021 - May 2021 on chickens in
Arba minch city administration and Arba Minch Zuria district to determine the
prevalence, identify risk factors and assess control practices of gastrointestinal
nematodes (GINs). A total of 422 faecal samples were drawn directly from the cloaca of
chicken and ground immediately after defecation. Samples were examined for presence of
nematode eggs using microscope after test tube floatation. Recordings of data regarding
sex, age, breed, agro ecology, feed supplementation, production system, housing,
possibility of scavenging, and history of anthelmintic treatment were conducted. 138
owners were asked about awareness of internal parasites, their effect on production,
treatment and control strategy they apply, drugs available and efficacy of treatment. The
data obtained were entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, coded and then analyzed
using SPSS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to summarize the data.
Percentage, p-value and odds ratio were calculated. The mean difference were judged
statistically significant when p<0.05 at 95% confidence interval. The result of fecal
examination revealed that 259 (61.4%) of chicken feces were positive for GINs egg.
From the positive results eggs of three species of nematodes were identified with species
specific prevalence of 32.5%, 13.5%, 7.1% and 8.3% Ascaridia gali, Hetrakis
gallinarum, Capillaria species and mixed infections respectively. Among risk factors
analyzed Breed, sex, age, management, scavenging opportunity and feed supplementation
were significant variables. The result of questioner survey exposed that 82.6% owners
had no practice of any nematode control strategy, 12.3% owners practice
decontamination by applying frequent cleaning and 5.1% treating the sick birds. Those
who practiced treating sick birds used Albendazole and it was complained fairly
effective. Based on the findings use of effective control strategy triggered by awareness
creation, high level management, adequate feeding, provision and supply of appropriate
anthelmintic and further study to estimate the economic influences were recommended
