Prevalence of ectoparasites in intensive laying poultry farms in Thailand using the feather-picking and AviVet™ trapping methods

Abstract

Poultry production in Thailand has expanded considerably and industrially; however, ectoparasite infestations in poultry farms could still occur. Information on ectoparasite prevalence in intensive poultry farms in Thailand is limited. This study investigated the current distribution and diversity of ectoparasites in commercial layer farms in central Thailand using two sampling methods: feather-picking and AviVet™ trapping. A total of 1,006 samples (507 feather and 499 trap samples) were collected from 28 poultry houses in 10 intensive farms across five provinces. Samples were examined microscopically, and the infestation status was recorded for each ectoparasite species. Seven taxa were identified, comprising three chewing lice species (Lipeurus caponis, Menacanthus stramineus, and Menopon gallinae) and four mite species (Dermanyssus gallinae, Megninia spp., Ornithonyssus bursa, and Pterolichus obtusus). Megninia spp. (44.0%) and P. obtusus (20.8%) were the most prevalent, whereas M. stramineus and O. bursa were rare (≤0.4%). No fleas or ticks were detected. Feather-picking yielded significantly higher detection rates than AviVet™ trapping for L. caponis, M. gallinae, Megninia spp., and P. obtusus (P<0.001 for all), while no significant method-related differences were found for M. stramineus, D. gallinae, or O. bursa. Spatial analysis was possible only for Megninia spp., which varied significantly among provinces and farms (P<0.001). This is the first report describing the diversity of ectoparasites collected using AviVet™ traps in intensive poultry farms in Thailand and provides baseline data to guide integrated control strategies in tropical poultry production systems.