Prevalence of mites and associated risk factors in village chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) of Libode in Nyandeni Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Farming poultry chicken sustains the livelihoods in rural areas where chickens are used as source of proteins and to generate extra income. However, there is an increase of chicken-related health problems in rural poultry which are mostly caused by ectoparasite. Hence, there is a critical need to conduct comparative studies in rural villages to manage the spread of ectoparasite in backyard poultry systems. The study was conducted at six villages located in the Nyandeni Local Municipality (Nyandeni LM), which is part of the OR Tambo District Municipality. These villages are Coza, Ethumbeni, Luthubeni, Mjobeni, Mhlanganisweni-B and Phezukwamawa. Methodology: A cross-sectional epidemiological questionnaire was done to assess the farmers’ chicken farming system, knowledge of ectoparasite infestation and their remedies to treat mites and lice. Screening for mites and lice involved a thorough examination of the chicken’s visible affected areas. Samples were identified following standard parasitological methods and examined under stereo microscope. Results: About 197 chickens (70 males and 127 females) were examined from six Nyandeni villages in the Eastern Cape Province. The overall prevalence of mites recorded was 14.7% (95% Cl =39-46) among 197 poultry farmers examined. More than 15.7% of chickens were infested with lice while 14.7% infestation was due to mites. Of the insecticide used to control the mites and lice, 21% was Madubula followed by Bulala Zonke (15.5%), Blue Death (11%), and Karbadust (8%), and about 90% of farmers agreed that these remedies are reliable with no side effect. The lowest prevalence of mite infestation was in Mjobeni with the prevalence of 7.1% (95% CI = 0-23). The highest prevalence of mite infestation was in Coza with 25.0% (95% CI = 6-47). The difference in overall prevalence between male and female chickens was statistically significant (p ˂ 0.05). In addition, the prevalence of mites and lice infestation was higher in female chickens (mites,18%; lice,18.7%) while male had lower mites (14.4%) and lice (10%) infestations. About 49 chicken farmers participated in the survey with male contributing to 73% and 27% were female. At the time of survey, 14% chicken farmers that were employed and 86% unemployed farmers were fully depending on farming chicken for sustenance and extra cash. Chicken farmers had clear knowledge of mites and lice and the use of alternative method to control the spread of ectoparasite. Conclusion: The prevalence of these mites and lice in the rural villages is the confirmation of poor parasite control and management practices. This suggests the need to develop relevant VII control strategies and train chicken farmers on how to prevent ectoparasite infestations in rural village chickens.