External parasites, including lice and mites, attack poultry by either sucking blood or feeding on the skin or feathers. Poultry flocks infested with lice or mites often exhibit similar symptoms, such as decreased egg production, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
Early detection of these parasites is crucial to preventing flock-wide outbreaks. Regular inspection of the flock is necessary to manage external parasites effectively.
Pigs can also suffer from infections caused by dark-colored lice, which can be visible on the pig’s body. These lice feed on the skin, irritating the pig, causing scratching, and leading to wounds that may become infected.
Treatment for lice in pigs includes spraying with coumaphos and cleaning the animal housing areas.
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Ectoparasites Affecting Poultry and Pigs
Indigenous chickens, commonly found in rural households, play a vital role in providing income and a cheap source of protein through meat and eggs. Several species of ectoparasites (e.g., flies, lice, mites, and ticks) infest poultry, where they feed on blood, feathers, skin, and scales.
These ectoparasites cause various health issues, such as discomfort, irritation, plumage loss, stunted growth, reduced egg production, anemia, and increased feed costs. In severe cases, ectoparasites can lead to death.
They also increase the birds’ susceptibility to other infections and can transmit several infectious diseases. Some ectoparasites, like Menopon gallinae, carry the equine encephalomyelitis virus, while others, like Dermanyssus gallinae, are known to transmit diseases and parasites to both humans and animals.
Poor management of ectoparasites, combined with limited access to resources, can significantly hinder efficient poultry production, causing reduced output and increased risks of disease outbreaks.
Methods for Inspecting Ectoparasites in Poultry
1. Aerosol Spray Method: Gently spray aerosol (ACI) over the feathers, and after 5 minutes, shake the indigenous chickens to collect the ectoparasites.
2. Visual Inspection: Use a magnifying glass or flashlight to inspect the vent, cloaca, breast, comb, wattles, and ear areas for fleas. Lice should be checked by examining the head, neck, wings, and body surface thoroughly.
3. Night Inspection for Poultry Red Mite (PRM): Examine the birds during the night for PRMs, as they are more active during this period.
4. Preservation for Identification: After collection, ectoparasites should be preserved in 70% alcohol, cleared in lactophenol, and mounted in Canada balsam for identification based on their morphological characteristics.
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Ectoparasites in Poultry and Pigs with Treatment
1. Poultry and Pig Lice: Poultry lice are small, wingless parasites with broad heads, typically found around the vent area of chickens. They do not suck blood but feed on feathers and dry skin.
Treatment: Nicotine sulphate, malathion 4-7% dusts, or stirfos.
2. Mites: Mites are small, spider-like creatures that feed on blood, tissue cells, or feathers. They can live in chicken coops and only crawl onto the birds to feed.
Treatment: Nicotine sulphate, malathion 4-7% dusts, or stirfos.
3. Northern Fowl Mite: The Northern Fowl Mite is the most common external poultry parasite. It lives on the bird continuously and feeds on blood. It spreads easily through bird-to-bird contact.
Treatment: Nicotine sulphate, malathion, stirfos, and carbaryl.
4. Red Mites: Red Mites feed on birds at night and hide in crevices during the day. They can live for up to a year without feeding and can transmit diseases like fowl cholera and Newcastle disease.
Treatment: Painting walls, roosts, and cracks with carbolineum, anthracene oil, or malathion.
5. Scaly Leg Mites: Scaly Leg Mites burrow under the scales of chickens’ legs, causing encrustations. If left untreated, thick scales can build up on the legs.
Treatment: Dipping the infected birds’ legs in hot water, followed by application of petroleum-based oil.
Internal Parasites in Poultry
Internal parasites are common in backyard flocks, with roundworms and tapeworms being the most prevalent. Roundworms are ingested by chickens as they forage, often picking up infected bugs such as beetles, snails, or earthworms.
Once ingested, roundworms live in the intestine and lay eggs that are excreted in the droppings, spreading the infection. Chickens suffering from roundworm infections are typically thin, have poor feather quality, and may experience diarrhea.
Ectoparasites can be found in most birds, feeding on their blood, feathers, skin, and scales. Their presence can cause a wide range of symptoms, including irritation, plumage loss, stunted growth, reduced egg production, and anemia, while also increasing susceptibility to other infections.
Poor management and limited access to resources prevent efficient poultry production, leading to reduced output and higher risks of disease outbreaks. Control of ectoparasites can be achieved through good management practices, regular inspection, and appropriate treatment of infestations.
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