Some Aspects of Infestation of Chewing Lice Parasitizing Chickens and Pigeons in Basrah Province, Iraq.
2025
Alaa Hatem
Poultry is infected with many external parasites, chewing lice is the most important of those parasites. It attacks poultry, especially in rural and local free farms. The infection leads to many pathological effects, including stunted growth, decreased egg production, feather loss, and others. This study aimed to survey and diagnose the chewing lice parasitizing domestic chickens and pigeons during the period from November 2023 to October 2024 in Basra Governorate. A total of 240 chickens and 240 pigeons were examined. The results showed a recording of six species of chewing lice, three were parasitic on chickens: Macanthus stramineuse, Menacanthus cornutus, Menapon gallinae. There were also three species of parasites on pigeons: Campanulotes bidentatus, Hohorstiella lata. Columbicola columbae. The total prevalence in chickens was 45.42% and in pigeons 42.92%. Monthly infection percentages and its impact on environmental factors (temperature and humidity) were recorded. Samples of chewing lice species were calculated. Triple infection was the highest rate, was 57.79% in chickens and 60.19% in pigeons. The sites of infections in birds’ bodies were observed.
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