Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Poultry in Selected Locations in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Poultry production plays a vital role as a source of protein thereby impacting the growth of the meat subsector and contributes significantly to the national economy. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in poultry birds slaughtered within Jos metropolis. A total of one hundred and seventy-two (172) intestinal segments were collected using a convenience sampling technique across four locations including; Bukuru, Farin Gada, Terminus and the Poultry Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Jos, Nigeria, in Jos metropolis. Samples were analyzed using floatation technique for recovery of ova and oocyst. A total prevalence of 56.40% (97/172) was recorded for ova and oocysts while for adult worms, a prevalence of 11.05% (19/172) was observed. Terminus recorded the highest prevalence of parasites' ova and oocysts with a prevalence of 62.79% (27/43). In terms of adult worm recovery, Bukuru, Farin Gada and VTH recorded a prevalence of 11.63% (5/43) with Terminus alone recording a prevalence of 9.30% (4/43). The large intestine ranked as the highest parasite predilection site with prevalence 53.64% (81/151) while Farin Gada had the highest prevalence in terms of distribution of parasites than the other locations. Eimeria species had the highest prevalence of oocysts while Ascaridia had the highest prevalence in terms of adult worms. This current study highlights the need for a more consistent routine screening and strategic prophylactic treatment of birds in Jos metropolis.