Prevalence of Ectoparasitic Arthropods on Free Range Domestic Fowls (G. domesticus) in Amansea and Ifite Communities (Awka, Nigeria)

A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods in free range domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) in Amansea and Ifite communities. A total of 112 G. domesticus comprising of 42 adult males, 30 adult females and 40 juveniles with plumage of different colours were examined during a house to house survey for ectoparasitic arthropods. The study was carried out between June and September, 2014. Out of the 12 G. domesticus having white plumage, (58.33%) were infested with lice. Fleas were absent on white plumage birds. The 19 G. domesticus having black plumage, (47.37%) were infested by lice. Fleas were also absent on black plumage birds. Out of 34 brown coloured G. Domesticus examined, lice, fleas and mites were recorded to have the same number of infestation (17.65%) each, while (29.41%) were infested by ticks. Out of 47 G. domesticus having mixed colour plumage, (40.42%) were infested by lice. Chi-squared test showed that there was no significant difference between ectoparasites loads on the host and the different plumage colours (P > 0.05). Because of the high prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods revealed in this study, it is recommended that some control measures should be put in place to improve chicken productivity and enhance the livelihood of these domestic fowls in the areas investigated.