A Post-Mortem Evaluation of Coccidiosis and Helminthiasis of Poultry Birds Slaughtered at Lafia Ultra Modern Market, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Akwashiki Ombugadu; Blessing O. Ayasi; Hussein O. Ahmed; Alhassan A. Aliyu; Oseghale P. Aimankhu; Ndubisi R. Uzoigwe; Victoria A. Pam; Victor A. Adejoh; Linus J. Ajah; Pangwa M. Lapang; James I. Maikenti; Sylvester A. Attah; Kajibia S. Dogo; Cyril D. Nkup; Danaan A. Dakul.

Poultry diseases remain one of the major threats to boosting poultry production in Nigeria. To this end, a post-mortem evaluation of coccidiosis and helminthiasis of poultry birds (Gallus gallus domesticus) slaughtered at Lafia Ultra-Modern Market, Lafia, Nasarawa State was carried from May to August 2017. A total of 100 fresh faecal samples from slaughtered chickens was collected into properly labeled sterile bottles and conveyed immediately to the Zoology Laboratory in Federal University of Lafia for the recovery of helminths and detection of coccidia oocysts. Faeces were grossly examined for blood, colour, mucus and presence of adult worms and proglottids. Adult worms and proglottids seen were removed with forceps and preserved in sample bottles containing 10% formalin for further identification. Concentration technique enlisted was the Simple Salt (NaCl) Floatation. Of the 100 fresh faecal samples examined only 24% were infected with helminths while none had coccidia infection. Cestodes had a high prevalence 11% than nematodes 9% but showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). A 4% co-infection was recorded. Of the five helminth species recorded, Raillietina species was the most prevalent parasite 34% while the least was Choanotaenia infundibulum 2%. The males were more infected 30% than the females 18%, however, there was no significant difference (P = 0.2207) in helminth prevalence between sex. Local breed was more infected 30% while no exotic breed was infected 0%. Thus, there was a very high significant difference (P < 0.001) in prevalence of helminth parasites between breeds. This study recorded a complete absence of trematodes and Eimeria species while cestodes and nematodes were implicated as the major cause of helminth infection in domestic chicken. Good management practices should be adhered to by poultry farmers based on domestic chickens’ potential in supplementing the protein deficit of Nigerian diets.

KEYWORDS: Gastrointestinal helminths, Trematodes, Eimeria species, Gallus gallus domesticus.



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