Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences

Abstract
Gastrointestinal helminth infections constitute an important constraint to poultry production, particularly in developing countries where certain management practices may predispose birds to parasitism. This study determined the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in local and exotic chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon-Gari live bird markets in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 239 chickens (local and exotic breeds) were examined. Following slaughter, the entire intestinal tract of each bird was exteriorized, and faecal samples were collected directly via the rectum. Samples were properly labelled and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Helminth eggs were detected using the simple flotation technique with a zinc sulphate-sucrose floatation medium. Microscopic examination was conducted for identification of helminth eggs. Results showed that out of the 239 birds examined, 167 were infected with single or mixed helminth infections, giving an overall prevalence of 69.9%. Four helminth species were identified, comprising three nematodes and one cestode. The nematodes encountered were Ascaridia galli (43.9%), Heterakis gallinarum (39.3%) and Capillaria obsignata (2.5%), while the only cestode identified was Raillietina echinobothrida (21.3%). Single infections occurred in 30.5% of the birds, while 35.5% harboured two helminth species, and 3.8% had triple infections. No trematode eggs were detected. There was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) association between the occurrence of the helminths and breed or sex. It was concluded that gastrointestinal helminth infections are highly prevalent among chickens slaughtered in the study area, with nematodes being the dominant parasites. The high rate of mixed infections highlights the need for improved parasite control strategies and better management practices in poultry production systems in the study area.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal helminths; Chickens; Prevalence; Live bird markets; Zaria, Nigeria.

How to cite this article:
Isah I, Sincere NS, Saleh A, Yusuf KH, Magaji Y, Aliyu MB and Ajanusi JO (2026). Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon Gari live bird markets in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(2): 1553 – 1559.

*Correspondence: E-mail: iisah007@yahoo.com Phone: +2348036030186

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in chickens slaughtered at Samaru and Sabon Gari live bird markets in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Ibrahim Isah¹*, Ntozi S. Sincere ¹, Ahmed Saleh ², Kuburat H. Yusuf ¹, Yusuf Magaji ¹, Mohammad B. Aliyu ³ and Joseph O. Ajanusi ¹1 Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
² Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
³ Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.