Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of poultry in rural and peri-urban farms of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are a major concern in poultry farming in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to evaluate the gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites in poultry farms in peri-urban and rural areas. A total of 160 fecal samples were collected from poultry farms with two chicken breeds (exotic and local) and were examined using the fecal flotation method. Surveys were conducted using a structured questionnaire. All farmers were male (100%), literate (100%), with an average age of 48 ± 8.50 years, and owned an average of 3023 ± 978 chickens. Theoverall prevalence rate of GIT parasite infection was 71.25% and was significantly influenced by the area (𝜒2 =11.06, df = 1, p < 0.001), and the type of GIT parasites (𝜒2 = 155.65, df = 2, p < 0.001). Three types of parasites were found: Eimeria sp. (53.13 ± 50.06%), Heterakis sp. (43.13 ± 49.68%), and Ascaris sp. (0.63 ± 7.91%). In the urban area, Eimeria sp. (94.12%) was the most prevalent (p = 0.003). Concerning the rural area, all GIT parasites were isolated, except for Acaris sp. (0.07%, p < 0.001). This analysisrevealed a high rate of GIT parasite infections in poultry farms. Therefore, appropriate control strategies are recommended to improve farm management.