Abstract:
A cross sectional study on ectoparasites of chickens was conducted in North Gondar zone,
northwest Ethiopia, from October 2010 to February 2011 with the objectives of determining prevalence,
fauna and associated risk factors. A total 350 chickens, 260 from backyard system and 90 from intensive
poultry farm were randomly sampled. Parasites were detected by thorough physical examination of
different parts of the chickens’ body and identified by using stereo and light microscope. Out of the total
260 backyard chickens examined, 39.23% (95%CI= 32.25% - 45.20%) were found to harbor ectoparasites.
No ectoparasite was detected in chickens sampled from the intensive poultry farm. The most abundant
group of ectoparasites detected in the back yard chickens were lice with prevalence of 30 %( 95%CI
= 24.35% - 35.60%). The lice species identified include Menacanthus stramineus (5%), Goniocotes gallinae
(6.9%), Goniodes species (10%), Cuclotagaster heterographus (1.5%), Lipeurus caponis (1.2%), Menopon
gallinae (1.2%) and 4.2 % mixed species of lice. Other ectoparasites identified were Knemidocoptes
mutans (11.9%) and ticks of genera Amblyomma and Argas (1.9%). Sex of birds and agroecology of the
source area were found significantly associated with lice infestation (p< 0.05). Lice infestation was found
higher in male birds and in mid altitude areas. Generally the prevalence of ectoparasites on backyard
chickens in the study area was relatively moderate compared with reports from other parts of Ethiopia.
However, the magnitude was still sufficiently high to warrant attention in the development effort of
the backyard poultry production. Therefore, practice of good hygiene and use of treatment against
ectoparasites are recommended.
