EPIDEMIOLOGY OF GASTRO INTESTINAL NEMATODES OF CHICKEN IN AND AROUND ARBA MINCH, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

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