Intestinal Nematode and Cestode Parasites of Domestic birds (Gallus gallus domesticus) of Major Markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

The health of domestic birds is a major concern to a nation and her populace because limiting productivity in the poultry industry can result in food reduction. Domestic birds suffer health challenges such as loss of energy, stunted growth, low egg production, loss of appetite and emaciation, due to high infection rates of endoparasites (such as, nematodes and cestodes). Intestinal samples were obtained from 120 domestic birds (Gallus gallus domesticus) between May and June, 2019. The samples were obtained from butchers at Mile 3, Creek Road and Mile 4 markets in Port Harcourt, and were examined for parasites using standard parasitological techniques. Three parasite species were obtained from the specimens: Ascaridia galli (nematode), and Choanotaenia infundibulum and Raillietina species (cestodes). Twenty-two hosts from Mile 3 market were infected, giving a prevalence of 36.67%. In hosts from Mile 4, eight samples were infected with parasites with a prevalence of 26.7%, while 22 (73.3 %) were uninfected. At Creek Road market, a total of five hosts were infected, giving a prevalence of 16.7%, while 25 (83.8%) were uninfected. This research was aimed at investigating the endo-helminth parasite community of Gallus gallus domesticus which is a serious problem facing poultry production, sustainability of agriculture and food security.