Gastrointestinal Parasites of Local Breeds Chicken in Dhamar City

Abstract

The study was conducted with aim to determine the gastrointestinal parasites of local breed chickens (Gallus gallus domestica) slaughtered in Chicken`s Market at Dhamar city localities. A total of 246 faecal samples from the gastro-intestinal tracts of slaughtered chicken were collected and examined from January to June, 2023, using direct smear and sodium chloride floatation methods for the presence eggs and oocyst of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites. The results demonstrated that, out of 246 samples examined, 170 (69.11%) were found positive with one or more parasites species. High infection rate was found among males (45.53%) compared to females (23.58%). The parasites species identified were Ascaridia galli (21.95%), Raillietina echinobothrida (10.57%), Eimeria spp. (14.63%), Railletina cesticillus (9.76%), Capillaria spp (6.10%) and mixed infection (6.10%). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed among prevalence rates of parasites identified. The distribution of parasites infections on the basis of risk factors/Characteristics, the higher rate was found in age groups of less than 5 months (30.89%), in Albaladi Aljabali breed (35.37%), in the month of March (17.07%) and in Anis localities (16.67); whereas, the lower infection rate was found in age group of up to 12 months (17.89%), in hybrid breeds (4.07%), in months of June (7.72%) and in Myfaa localities (10.98%). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between prevalence rate and sex, month variation (season) and area (localities); while, none with other factors. The results of the logistic regression analyses showed significant association between GIT parasites infection rate and sex (OR= .377; 95%Cl: 0.216-0.656; P= .001), Breeds (OR= 1.366; 95%Cl: 0.216-0.656; P= 0.024) and parasites species (OR= 0.058; 95%Cl 0.026-0.130; P= 0.000), and none with other characteristics or risk factors investigated. In conclusion, gastrointestinal parasites infections are prevalent among local chickens in study areas. An epidemiological control programme should be put in place to minimize parasite infections and their impact on local chicken production.