Tetrameres Species Infestations In Different Age Groups Of Village Free-range Chickens In Embu And Mbeere Districts

Abstract

One hundred and five free - scavenging indigenous chickens were bought from different smallholder farms and villages in Embu and Mbeere districts. Of these, 77 were ad ult chickens, 21 grower birds and 7 chicks. On examination, 26/105 (24.76%) birds had female Tetrameres species of worms in their proventriculi. A total of 7/77 (9.1%) adult chickens, 14/21 (66.7%) grower birds and 5/7 (71.43%) chicks were infected by the parasites. The number of parasites per proventriculus ranged from 2 – 15 in adult chickens, 1 – 47 in grower birds and 5 – 71 in chicks. Both male and female parasites were recorded. Most proventriculi had one to thirty parasites but grower birds and chic ks had heavy infe stations as compared to adult chickens. Grossly, black spots representing the red globular female worms were observed spread out over the thickened walls of the proventriculi while male worms were identified using a microscope. There was e xcess mucous exudation in the affected proventriculus and some had blood stained exudates. Proventricular glands had variable degree of destruction depending on the infestation. The results show heavy Tetrameres species infestation in young birds than in adults that may contribute to the high mortality rates observed in these ages due to thickened walls and blockage of proventriculi, amaciation and anaemia. These parasites require to be controlled in these birds