Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Helminths in Local and Broiler Chickens in Ibesikpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was conducted on local and broiler chickens in Afaha Ibesikpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infection and identify the parasitic species involved. A total of fifty-five (55) gastrointestinal tract of broiler chicken and 50 gastrointestinal tracts of local chicken were examined for helminths parasites using direct wet mount method. Out of 55 broilers and 50 local chickens examined, 2 broilers (3.6%) and 50 local chickens (100%) were infected. Eight (8) nematode species were identified in the prevalence rate of Ascaridiagalli (41.9%), Capillaria species (4.7%), Enterobiusvermicularis (2.8%), Heterakisgallinarum (3.8%), Streptocara recta (0.9%), Strongyloides species (2.9%), and Trichuristrichuria (1.9%). The cestode species encountered were five and included; Raillietina species (19.0%), Hymenolepsis species (13.5%), Choanotaenia infundibulum (1.9%), Diphylobothriumlatum (2.8%), Dipylidium caninum (6.6%). The overall prevalence of helminths infection was 49.5% with the occurrence of mixed infection of about 38% in birds and a single infection of 12.4%. There was a significant difference (X2=96, df=1, p<0.05) in the prevalence rate of infection between broiler and local chickens. This study affirms that helminth infection is a major challenge in the poultry industry. Hence the need for poultry farmers to be educated on these infections and appropriate control measures implemented