Investigation of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Local Chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: Investigation of gastrointestinal parasites of local chicken (Gallus domesticus) was conducted in four council wards of Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area, between October 2017 and June 2018.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the parasitic load of male and female scavenging chickens.

Materials and Methods: Digestive tracts of scavenging chickens were obtained and processed by parasitological means.

Results: From a total of 320 local scavenging chickens examined 240 (75.0%) were parasitized by helminthes. Out of the 180 male and 140 female chickens examined, 75 (52.8%) and 120 (85.7%) were positive for helminth parasite eggs respectively. There was statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of helminth parasites between male and female chicken. A total of 12 helminth parasite species were recovered in this study, comprising of 7 nematodes and 5 cestodes.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of helminth parasites among local chickens was attributable to lack of periodic deworming and climatic factors. Local breeds are tastier than exotic breeds and people prefer them more than exotic ones during Christmas celebrations. Occasional deworming exercise is advocated to reduce their worm burden and zoonotic infection.