Mapping the Ectoparasitic Landscape in Non-Descriptive Village Chickens of Central Bangladesh: Prevalence, Intensity, and Associated Risk Factors

Purpose: Ectoparasitic infestations pose a major threat to non-descriptive village chickens (NDVCs) and could result in economic losses. However, systematic data regarding the ectoparasitic burden on NDVCs in central Bangladesh remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to map the ectoparasitic landscape, estimate the prevalence and intensity of various ectoparasite species, and identify associated risk factors in NDVCs.
Research Method: A cross-sectional study involving the systematic examination of 225 NDVCs was conducted. Ectoparasites were collected from NDVCs and identified through direct visual inspection or specific methods used to study the parasites’ biology, followed by microscopic identification. The prevalence of ectoparasites and their associations with host age, sex, and season were determined using Chi-square tests and Odds Ratios.
Findings and Values: The overall ectoparasite prevalence was 99.11% (223), with six lice and four mite species recorded. The prevalence of Menacanthus stramineus (94.22%), Menopon gallinae (89.78%), Lipeuris caponis (83.11%), Cuclotogaster heterographus (32%), Goniodes gigas (32%), Goniocotes gallinae (29.78%), Knemidocoptes mutans (45.33%), Dermanyssus gallinae (11.56%), Ornithonyssus bursa (11.56%), and Megninia spp. (9.78%). Megninia spp. identified for the first time in Bangladesh. Results showed 65% of chickens had a single lice species, and 45% had mixed infestations. Ectoparasite infestation on the chicken was not linked to age or sex, but showed a significant seasonal difference in mite infestation (p<0.05%). These results provide baseline data on the ectoparasitic burden in NDVCs, highlighting specific parasite threats. Furthermore, the results will aid in developing targeted parasite control strategies to boost the productivity of local NDVCs’ farming systems.