Authors : A.Z. Sabuni, P.G. Mbuthia, N. Maingi, P.N. Nyaga, L.W. Njagi, L.C. Bebora and J.N. Michieka
Abstract: Indigenous chickens constitute over 81% of poultry in Kenya and produce 71% of eggs and poultry meat. Ectoparasites limit production of these birds in the rural areas, since they cause significant pathology. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and the level of skin damage (in apparently healthy birds) by ectoparasites among different chicken ages, sexes and obtained from two agro-ecological zones: Lower Highland 1 (LH1) and Lower Midland 5 (LM5) in Eastern Province, Kenya. Parasites found on chicken were: lice, fleas, ticks and mites. Of the 144 indigenous chicken examined, gross and microscopic lesions in the skin were observed in 94 and 129 birds, respectively. Gross lesions were observed on 24.3% chicken heads, 31.9% body and 43.8% leg skins. Microscopic lesions were observed in 36.1% of head skin, 89.6% of body skin and 55.6% of leg skin. Head lesions differed among the bird’s age groups, between sexes and agro ecological zones (p<0.05). Body lesions varied among chickens of different age groups and birds with lesions in zones (p<0.05). Gross leg lesion varied among age groups and between infected birds in different agro-ecological zones (p<0.05). This study documented severe effects of ectoparasitic infestations on the skin of chicken and hence recommends for control measures in order to improve productivity among these birds.
A.Z. Sabuni, P.G. Mbuthia, N. Maingi, P.N. Nyaga, L.W. Njagi, L.C. Bebora and J.N. Michieka, 2013. Skin Lesions Associated with Ectoparasitic Infestation in Indigenous Chickens in Eastern Province of Kenya. Research Journal of Poultry Sciences, 6: 53-58.