Prevalence and Diversity of Protozoan and Helminth Parasites in Broilers Sold at Ikpa Market, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
Elijah Sunday Okwuonu
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ebubechukwu Uchechukwu Onuegbu
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Onyinye Juliet Obi
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria and Department of Public Health Science, Tansian University, Umunya, Oba Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ijem Anya Nnachi *
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Favour Nnenna Nnaji
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Esther Nkechi Elijah
Nursing Services Department, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Rural Comprehensive Health Centre, Obukpa, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Chika Bright Ikele
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Benneth Okwukwe Chime
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ozioma Caroline Umennadi
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Chigbogu Promise Nwankwocha
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Parasitic infections remain an important health and productivity concern in broiler production and may reflect management conditions at both farm and market levels. This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and burden of protozoan and helminth parasites in broilers sold at Ikpa Market, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 278 broilers were examined using the flotation technique. Data on selected host- and management-related factors were analysed to estimate parasite prevalence, describe infection patterns, and evaluate associations with infection status and parasite intensity. Overall, 200 birds were positive for at least one parasite, giving a prevalence of 71.94%. Eight parasite taxa were recorded: Eimeria tenella, Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, Subulura brumpti, Syngamus trachea, Capillaria spp., Prosthogonimus spp., and Raillietina echinobothrida. Eimeria tenella was the most frequently detected parasite, with a prevalence of 32.37%, followed by H. gallinarum (12.23%) and A. galli (7.19%). By parasite group, protozoa were the most prevalent (32.37%), followed by nematodes (22.66%), whereas cestodes (1.80%) and trematodes (1.08%) occurred at low levels. Single infections were more common than mixed infections, accounting for 59.0% and 12.6% of examined birds, respectively. Parasite detections were higher in cage samples (65.83%) than in intestinal samples (34.17%). Hygiene, deworming practice, and collection site were significantly associated with infection status, while housing quality and hygiene were associated with parasite intensity. The findings indicate a substantial parasitic burden among broilers sold in Ikpa Market and highlight the need for improved hygiene, biosecurity, and routine parasite-control practices. These results also support continued surveillance of market-ready poultry to inform practical parasite management.
Keywords: Broiler chickens, Eimeria tenella, gastrointestinal parasites, helminths, Ikpa market, nematodes, Nigeria, poultry hygiene, protozoa, risk factors, Nsukka