Journal of Animal Research
  • Year: 2022
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 1

Prevalence and Intensity of Ectoparasitic Infestations in Commercial Layer Chickens reared under Elevated Cage System

  • Author:
  • Thandavan Vembuvizhivendan Tamilam1,*, Gurusamy Ponnudurai2, Karuppiah Arunachalam3, Duraisamy Kannan4, Varadarajan Senthilkumar5, Annamalai Balasubramaniam1
  • Total Page Count: 9
  • Published Online: Jul 13, 2023
  • Page Number: 55 to 63

1Avian Disease Laboratory, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Thalaivasal, Tamil Nadu, India

2Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India

3Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, TANUVAS, Karur, Tamil Nadu, India

4Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu, India

5Department of Animal Husbandry Economics, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India

*Corresponding author: TV Tamilam; E-mail: drtamizham@gmail.com

Online Published on 13 July, 2023.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of one year to identify the species spectrum and determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in Thalaivasal region, Tamil Nadu, India among 16 commercial layer farms comprising multi-age flocks which were divided into four age groups of 20 to 35, 36 to 50, 51 to 65 and 66 to 80 weeks. The result of the study showed that 93% flocks were infested in 20 to 35 week group whereas 100% in all other age groups during winter (December 2020 to March 2021). During summer (April 2021 to July 2021), the 100% chickens in all groups except 51 to 65 week group which showed 98% infestation. In rainy season (August 2021 to November 2021), 100% flocks of all ages were infested. The present study, two lice species namely shaft louse (Menopon gallinae) and wing louse (Lipeurus tropicalis) and one species of feather mites (Megninia ginglymura) were recorded throughout the year. In the entire study period, the birds were infested with either single or mixed type of ectoparasites. The prevalence of louse infestation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in older birds ranging from 36 to 80 weeks of age and lower in younger birds of less than 36 weeks of age. The prevalence of feather mite infestation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in younger age ranging from 20 to 50 weeks of age and lower in older birds of more than 50 weeks of age. The mean intensity revealed heavy ectoparasite infestation in the rainy season irrespective of age.

• Prevalence of louse was higher in older than in young birds.

• Prevalence of feather mite was higher in younger than in older birds.

•Heavy ectoparasite infestation was noted in rainy season.

Keywords

Ectoparasites, Seasonal prevalence, Shaft louse, Wing louse, Feather mite