JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7099
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JASVM
Start Year: 2016
Email: jasvm@integrityresjournals.org
Prevalence and risk factors of ectoparasites in local chickens in Uganda
https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2026.643 | Article Number: 1C2D603F1 | Vol.11 (3) - June 2026
Received Date: 25 February 2026 | Accepted Date: 25 March 2026 | Published Date: 30 June 2026
Authors: Ronald Fashaho , Sylvia Angubua Baluka* , William Microsse Kabasa , Joyna Ofungi and Ann Nanteza
Keywords: prevalence, chicken, infestation, ectoparasites, fleas, lice, local
The research sought to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors linked to flea and lice infestations in indigenous chickens in the Mityana district of Uganda, where ectoparasites continue to pose a major limitation to rural poultry productivity. Cross-sectional research was carried out between May and July 2024 with 284 local chickens. A multi-phase random sampling strategy was utilised in two parishes (Kireku and Nakaseeta) within the Busimbi division. Information regarding management practices, age, and gender was gathered through organised forms, followed by physical assessments and lab identification using stereomicroscopy. Statistical analysis, utilising univariate chi-square tests and multivariate binary logistic regression, was conducted with IBM SPSS Statistics to determine significant predictors of infestation. The total prevalence of ectoparasite infestation was 81%, with lice (68.3%) being notably more common than fleas (27.5%). The majority of infested chickens (82%) had only single infestations. Multivariate analysis indicated that age and management system were significant predictors; adult chickens had a 591.8 times higher likelihood of having lice compared to chicks (OR = 591.8; p<0.001), while those in semi-intensive systems were 39.6 times more likely to carry lice than free-range birds (OR = 39.6; p=0.016). The management system was the only element that notably affected flea infestation (p<0.001), as semi-intensive systems exhibited a 100% prevalence rate. The significant ectoparasite load, especially lice in adult birds and fleas in enclosed environments, highlights the necessity for enhanced poultry hygiene and management practices. We suggest establishing age-specific housing, focused farmer education on environmental health, and the regular, strategic application of suitable insecticides to improve local poultry well-being, household livelihoods and rural economies.
Abbreviations: C.I., Confidence Interval; OR, Odds Ratio; UBOS, Uganda Bureau of Statistics; PPE, Personal Protective Equipment.
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