Prevalence of ectoparasites on chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in the Mnisi Area of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Abstract

Chickens from 13 villages in the Mnisi area are thoroughly examined over a period of four weeks to detect the presence of ectoparasites. Ectoparasite collection indicated that chickens in 92% of the households are infected with ectoparasites. One species of the order Siphonaptera (fleas), six species of the order Phtiraptera (lice) and three species of the order Acarina (ticks and mites) are recorded. Among all ectoparasites found, fleas were the most prevalent. Fleas isolated in 100% of the villages were only sticktight fleas (Echidnophaga gallinae). Lice were isolated in 85% of the villages investigated. Menopon gallinae is found in 77% of all investigated villages and thereby most abundant. Followed by Gallacanthus cornutus (38%), Goniocotes gallinae (31%), Lipeurus caponis (23%) and finally Stenocrotaphus gigas and Eomenacanthus stramineus, both occurring in 15% of the villages investigated. From the order Acarina, two tick and one mite species are found. The tick species, found in 85% of the villages, are Amblyomma hebraeum and Haemaphysalis elliptica (from both tick species only immature stadia are recorded). The mite species found in 6% of all investigated household is Ornithonyssus bursa. The purpose of this study is to examine and identify the currently occuring ectoparasites on chickens in rural villages in the Mnisi area.