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PRESENTED AT THE WAAVP CONFERENCE HELD ON 25 TH TO 30 TH AUGUST 2013 IN PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA BY HANNAH W CHEGE DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI Ecto- and Endo- Parasites in Free Range Chicken in rainy season in Mbeere District, Kenya.

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Introduction Poultry production is a growing and an economically important industry in Kenya. It contributes to the livelihood of approximately 21million people. Due to shortage of land for agriculture many people in rural areas have opted for poultry production. Endo and ecto- parasites are common among indigenous chickens Effects of parasites include: *competition for nutrients *sucking blood causing anaemia *diarrhoea and/or obstruction of intestines. Parasites leads to lowered productivity (reduction in weight gain, decreased egg production) and/or mortality). Ecto-parasites are important as blood suckers, vectors or aetiological agents of disease.

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Village chickens of various ages Flea infestation in chickens Tapeworm infestation in chickens Village chickens scavenging in the field

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Introduction conti..... Previous studies in Kenya have established: Prevalence and intensity of endo, ecto and hemoparasites among different age groups and sexes of birds, farm (Sabuni et al., 2010 ; Sabuni et al., 2011.) and market birds(Maina 2005). No studies on Current prevalence of ecto and haemoparasites compared to Sabuni et al ( 2010;2011). The prevalence of endoparasites in Mbeere District, Kenya

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To determine the prevalence of ecto -, endo- and haemo-parasites in free range chickens in Mbeere District, Eastern Province, Kenya. Objective

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Materials and methods Study area The study was conducted in Mbeere District, Eastern Province, Kenya The area has high poultry population of indigenous chicken, approx. 165, 090( KBS) Bimodal pattern of rainfall long rains (mid- March and June). short rain (October to December).

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Map showing the study area

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Materials and methods cont.... Experimental design A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2011. Twenty four birds(24) birds of all ages(chicks