Abstract

Aim: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the seasonal variation, prevalence, and species composition of ectoparasites infesting chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Method and materials: A total of 1,685 chickens from live bird markets and poultry farms were examined across the rainy, cold dry and hot dry seasons. Physical examination and laboratory identification techniques were employed to detect and classify ectoparasites.

Results: An overall prevalence of 75.73% (1,276/1,685) was recorded, with significantly higher infestations during the rainy season (29.38%) compared to cold dry (24.57%) and hot dry (22.61%) periods (χ² = 65.29, p< 0.0001). Ten ectoparasite species were identified, dominated by lice (Menacanthus stramineus: 22.61%; Gonoides gigas: 10.74%), mites (Cnemidocoptes mutans: 8.72%), ticks (Argas persicus: 3.68%), and fleas (Echidnophaga gallinacea: 0.89%). Mixed infestations involving multiple taxa occurred in 2.4% of birds. Anatomical localization varied by species, with M. stramineus concentrated around the vent and breast, while mites and ticks showed predilection for scaly legs and skin folds. Ectoparasite prevalence was significantly higher in adult (40.95%) and female chickens (87.29%), with chicks being least affected (4.99%). Village chickens had a significantly higher infestation burden (45.46%) compared to exotic breeds (30.27%) (χ² = 230.8, p< 0.0001). Seasonal trends showed species-specific variation, with M. stramineus peaking in the hot dry season, while C. mutans was more frequent in the cold dry season.

Conclusion: It was concluded that occurrence of mixed infestations, although relatively low (2.4%), further complicates control efforts due to potential additive or synergistic pathogenic effects. Importantly, species such as Cnemidocoptes mutans, Ornithonyssus bursa, and Argas persicus all of which possess zoonotic or severe pathological potential were identified with significant prevalence across seasons and host categories

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