Biolocalisation of ectoparasites on village hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Linne 1758 in Ngaoundere town, Cameroon

Abstract

Ectoparasites can affect animal health either by their direct pathogens role (nuisance, blood loss, serious skin damage and reduced productivity) or as pathogen vectors responsible of serious diseases. They are located in different parts of the head. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence and the location of ectoparasites on village hens in the town of Ngaoundere in Cameroon during the period from June 2021 to February 2022. Thus a prospective study was conducted. The samples were collected on a monthly basis from the village hens; from 6 am to 8 am, in selected farms. Morphological discrimination and identification took place at the Veterinary and Medical Entomology Laboratory (MSEG) at Ngaoundere. As result, an overall prevalence of 70.08% was obtained and three species identified: Echidnophaga gallinacean Westwood, 1875; Ceratophyllus gallinae Shrank, 1803 and Argas persicus Oken; 1818. This prevalence varied seasonally with a significant preponderance in the rainy season (80.1%) compared to the dry season (55.1%) (p