Prevalence of ecto- and haemo-parasites of free-range local ducks in Kenya

Abstract

A study was conducted between November 2008 and March 2009 to determine the prevalence of endo- and haemo-parasites in different age and sex groups of free range local ducks in Nairobi and its environs. The ducks were categorized into ducklings (<2 months), growers (2 to 6 months) and adults (>6 months). A total of 48 ducklings, 50 growers and 47 adults comprising 77 females and 68 males were sampled. Each duck was clinically examined with emphasis on the cutaneous system and observations recorded. Body, head and leg skins were examined and identified parasites quantified. Two thin blood smears were prepared from each bird, processed and examined for haemoparasites.

Echidnophaga gallinacea (sticktight flea of poultry) was the only ectoparasite observed in 35.2% of the ducks. Thika West sub-county in Kiambu County had a significantly higher prevalence (45.1%) of E. gallinacean compared to Embakasi (25.5%), Kasarani (15.7%) and Westlands (13.7%) sub-counties in Nairobi County (p<0.05). Growers had a significantly higher prevalence (47.1%) relative to ducklings (31.4%) and adult ducks (21.6%) (p<0.05). Female ducks had a significantly higher prevalence (58.8 %) of E. gallinacean than males (41.2%) (p<0.05). Heamoparasites were observed in 48.3% of the ducks. The prevalence recorded in the four study areas was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Grower ducks had a prevalence of 35.7%, adults, 34.3% and ducklings, 30.0 % (p>0.05) while, male and female ducks had an equal prevalence of 50.0 % (p>0.05). Four haemoparasites identified in decreasing order of prevalence were Aegyptinella spp. (40.7%), Leucocytozoon spp. (6.9%), Eperythrozoon spp. (3.5%) and Haemoproteus spp. (0.7%). The results of the present investigation reveal that ecto- and haemo-parasites are prevalent in local ducks in Nairobi and its environs