Abstract:
Ectoparasites threaten poultry health and productivity by decreasing egg production, lowering meat yields and transmitting diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites, identify associated risk factors and evaluate current control practices in poultry production systems in Dire Dawa. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to July 2024, using stratified multistage cluster sampling, where 768 chickens were randomly selected from the extensive, semi-intensive and intensive poultry production systems. Data collection involved physical examination of chickens and interviews with poultry owners, farm managers or poultry caretakers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while logistic regression models were applied to identify associated risk factors. Out of 768 chickens examined, 577 were found affected with ectoparasites. Thus, the overall prevalence of ectoparasite infestation was 75.13% [95% confidence interval (CI): 71.9-78.2] with fleas (35.0%), lice (33.5%), mites (25.5%), and ticks (10.9%). Single infestations were seen on 48.7% of the chickens, while multiple species infestations occurred on 51.3% of chickens. The prevalence of ectoparasite infestation was significantly higher in extensive (85.66%) and semi-intensive (80.27%) than in the intensive system (65.95%). Age and management system were identified as the risk factors using a multivariable logistic regression analysis,. The respective odds of ectoparasite infestation was two fold (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.5–3.7; p<0.001) and four fold (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 2.3–5.3; p<0.001) in the semi-intensive and extensive systems than in the intensive system. Adult chickens were twice as likely to be infested as young chickens (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4–2.8; p<0.001). In this study, 83.9% (68/81) of the respondents were found aware about infestation of poultry with ectoparasites. All those 68 (100%) conscious respondents implemented control measures that varied significantly, with 58 (85.3%) of them relying on natural remedies, 46 (67.6%) often applied control measures reactively in response to infestations and only 41 (60.3%) monitored their effectiveness. The main challenges identified were lack of knowledge 47 (69.1%) and the high cost of treatments 41 (60.3%). The study concludes that poultry ectoparasites are highly prevalent in Dire Dawa, emphasizing the need for affordable and effective control strategies and educational campaigns on managing poultry ectoparasite infestations.
