Survey of Ectoparasites on Guinea Fowls Sold in Gwagwalada Market, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria

This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and risk factors associated with ectoparasite infestation on guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) sold in Gwagwalada Market, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. A total of 115 guinea fowls of both sexes were randomly sampled and examined for ectoparasites over a six-week period using physical inspection, manual collection, and microscopic identification techniques. Out of the 115 birds examined, 47 (40.87%) were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The identified ectoparasites included lice species (Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Lipeurus caponis, Goniocotes gallinae and Menacanthus cornutus), mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum), and ants (Solenopsis geminata). Lice were the most prevalent (30.43%), followed by mites (9.57%) and ants (0.87%). Infestation types were predominantly single (30.43%), with some cases of double (9.57%) and multiple (0.87%) infestations. Risk factor analysis showed that prevalence was higher in females (25.22%) compared to males (15.65%), in birds reared under high stocking density (26.96%) compared to low density (13.91%), and in birds housed alongside chickens (32.17%) compared to those kept exclusively with guinea fowls (8.70%), though these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The findings highlight a considerable ectoparasitic burden in guinea fowls sold in Gwagwalada Market, which could compromise productivity, welfare, and public health. The study underscores the need for improved veterinary supervision, farmer education, and implementation of effective ectoparasite control strategies.