A survey of the incidence of worm parasites in laying chickens in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This research is based on parasitic helminthes of laying birds conducted in July 2018 in the Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This work aimed at identifying the types of worm parasites that may be found in laying birds (poultry) farms and to determine their prevalent rates in layers together with the percentage infestation of these worm parasites in Abak Local Government Area. A total of 270 sterile samples were collected randomly from 10 farms in 3 weeks at Abak Local government Area. These sterile samples were transported immediately for analysis in the laboratory using floatation method with saturated salt solution. With the aid of x10 microscope, it was discovered that out of the 270 (or 100%) samples examined for helminthes only two types of nematodes were identified. A sum total of 196 (or 73%) nematode eggs were found and a total of 113 (or 42%) Ascardia gallinarum eggs were tested positive and 83 (or 31%) Heterakis gallinarum were tested positive while a total of 74 (or 27%) fecal sample tested negative. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes as observed in this area has a strong relationship with their mode of feeding and living conditions which lead to reduced body weight, decreased egg production and deaths thus affecting the meat quality and nutrient content of the chicken. Laying birds should be dewormed every three months and high level of hygiene should be maintained in the farm. It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of helminthes in Abak Local government Area in laying birds, which may lead to high losses. Thus, improved farm management and disease control to enhance their potentials is necessary.