A DIAGNOSTIC SURVEY OF AVIAN PARASITIC INFECTIONS FROM VILLAGE POULTRY IN QWA-QWA, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to document information on the existence of endoparasitic infections, ectoparasitic infestations and infectious bronchitis viral infection in village poultry of the Qwa-Qwa district of the northeastern Free State province. Endoparasites isolated were: Ascaridia, Capillaria, and Trichostrongylus species. Eimeria species (coccidian) was also isolated. No haemoparasites were isolated. Ectoparasites isolated were the red fowl mite Dermanyssus gallinae, sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacea, and louse Menopon gallinae. Of the 177 blood samples collected for serodiagnosis, 52% of tested sera for infectious bronchitis virus by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were positive. The range of packed cell volume (PCV) values for chickens were from 15-39 %, for ducks 13-36 % and for geese 13-29%. To ensure a thriving and sustainable free ranging system in Qwa-Qwa, the small scale farmers will require assistance in the control and prevention of disease causing agents through vaccination and administration of drugs to infected poultry.