Incidence of Ectoparasites in Broiler Chicken in Meerut

Abstract

A study was conducted to observe the frequency and density of ectoparasites affecting Broiler chicken of Meerut region. In rural areas chicken form an integral part of village life & have an important social value in some countries, they are considered as an important source of income besides providing a cheap source of protein to rural people however disease are among the important constraint in the expansion of this industry. In most areas, control of disease is either lacking, very minimal or unheard of. During the study in all 82 chicks were examined, out of which 58 were infected and 24 were uninfected. The percent of infection was found to be 70.73%. Out of 58 infected birds, 31%exhibited single infection, 44.82% showed double infection and 24.13% were with triple infection. One of them was found infected with more than three ectoparasites. In all 10 different types of ectoparasites were found harboring broiler in Meerut. Parasite wise percent of infecton was found to be.Menacanthus stramineus 3%, Menacanthus cornutus 14%, Ligeurus lawrensis tropicalis 22%, Goniocotes gallinae 15%, G.dissimilis 8%, Poultry mites(Ornithonyssus bursa and Dermanyssus gallinae)75%, Fowl Tick(Argas persicus)50%, Sticktight Flea(Echidnophaga gallinacean)4%.Possible reasons are discussed in detail.