Prevalence of Helminth Parasites in Domestic Poultry in Zaria, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

This study determines the prevalence and species diversity of helminth parasites in domestic chickens and guinea fowl in Zaria local government area, Kaduna State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Helminthiasis in backyard poultry is a significant cause of reduced productivity and mortality, yet systematic parasitological data for poultry in the North West zone are limited. Using a cross-sectional abattoir-based design, gastrointestinal tracts were collected from 180 chickens and 80 guinea fowl slaughtered at the Zaria main market abattoir. Worms were recovered by total worm count, preserved, and identified morphologically. Data on host sex, age, and rearing system were obtained from sellers. Overall helminth prevalence was 74.4 percent in chickens and 61.3 percent in guinea fowl. Eight helminth species were identified comprising four cestode species, three nematode species, and one trematode species. Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum were the most prevalent nematodes in chickens. Raillietina tetragona was the dominant cestode in both host species. Mixed infections were recorded in 52 percent of positive chickens. Free-range birds showed significantly higher prevalence than confined birds. Prevalence did not differ significantly between sexes. The study recommends strategic anthelmintic treatment twice yearly, improved poultry housing, and regular deworming education for backyard poultry farmers in Kaduna State as priority interventions. Keywords: helminth parasites, domestic poultry, Zaria, prevalence, Ascaridia galli.