Parasitological Computation of Free-Range Chickens Vended in Major Markets in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in chicken production industry are known to be one of the factors responsible for the high mortality rate in poultry farming in Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chickens sold in major markets in Okitipupa, Local Government Area of Ondo State. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 152 feacal samples of free range chickens randomly collected from five major markets in Okitipupa Local Government. The samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites by examination of feacal samples of birds. Out of 152 chickens examined from five markets, 121 (79.9%) chickens were found to be infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The chickens were found to be commonly infected with Capillaria spp (46.1%), Heterakis gallinarum (39.5 %) and Ascaridia galli (36.9 %).

No trematodes were encountered in this present study. The different market’s locations did not have any significant influence on the prevalence of the different gastrointestinal parasites detected. However, chickens from Erinje markets were found to have the highest level (90%) of gastrointestinal parasites, whilst Igbotako market (67.5 %) had the least.

The high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths observed in these markets have a strong relationship with their mode of feeding and living conditions of the birds. In spite of minimal health care and improper sanitation practices adopted by poultry marketers, there is a need for continuous education on appropriate and preventive method for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in chickens.