| dc.identifier.citation | Mavuti S.K., Mbuthia, P.G., Waruiru R.M., Njagi, L.W., Mutune M.N., Otieno R.O., and Msoffe, P.L.M., Byarugaba D.K., and Aning G.K. 2012. Prevalence and pathology of Echinophaga gallinacea in free-range local ducks. In the Proceedings of the Faculty of Veterinary medicine, UON, CAVS, 8th Biennial Scientific Conference and The 46th Kenya Veterinary Association annual scientific conference and The 12th World Veterinary Day Celebrations, held in April 25th to 27th 2012, in Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Kenya. Abstract on Page 27. | en |
| dc.description.abstract | A study was carried out in November 2008 and March 2009 to investigate the pathology, prevalence
and intensity associated with Echidnophaga gallinacea infestations of free range local ducks. The
ducks were categorized into ducklings (<2 months), growers (2 to 6 months) and adult ducks (>6
months). A total of 47 adults, 50 growers and 48 ducklings comprising 77 females and 68 males were
sampled. Each duck was subjected to a thorough clinical examination with emphasis on the cutaneous
system and observations recorded. Body, head and leg skins were examined and identified parasites
quantified. Parts of the skin were collected for histopathology processing, examined and the severity
of the lesions determined. The data obtained was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Chi
square (χ2), t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Echidnophaga gallinacea (the stick-tight flea of
poultry) was the only ectoparasites observed in 51/145 ducks (35.17 %). Grower ducks had a 47.06
% prevalence which was higher than ducklings (31.37 %) and adult birds (21.57 %). Female ducks
had a higher prevalence (58.82 %) than male ducks (41.18 %). Thika Central District had the highest
prevalence of Echidnophaga gallinacea infestation of 45.09 %, Embakasi (25.49 %), Kasarani (15.69
%) and Westlands (13.73 %). The study documents Echidnophaga gallinacea species in different age
and sex of ducks for the first time in Kenya. Their control strategy and impact on productivity of
ducks need to be investigated. | |
