Helminthiasis in free-ranging indigenous domestic poultry in KenyaL'helminthiase chez la volaille domestique locale en libre parcours au Kenya

In Kenya data on poultry helminthiasis are scarce and its research has received little attention owing to the less visible and chronic symptoms of helminthiasis that are difficult to discern. To bridge this gap, we examined 604 chicken guts from local slaughter houses in Kenya and then visited 22 homesteads in Central Province rearing indigenous free ranging chicken. A questionnaire dealing with clinical signs of helminthiasis and poultry management practices to assess whether the farmers discerned ill health in their flock was administered. Ninety percent of the slaughter house guts were positive for one or more helminth parasites, including Heterakis spp (28%), Strongyloides spp (24%), Ascaridia galli (14%), Acuaria spp (13.6%), Tetrameres spp (2.5%) and Davainea spp (2.1%) among others. Of the 22 homesteads, one or more reported abnormal conditions in their flock. Ninety percent observed depressed egg-laying, 59% saw weakness in legs and slimy/bloody stool, while 46% observed late maturity (>8months). Eighty two percent of the homesteads feedback tallied with the clinical signs associated with the helminth parasites identified from their poultry at coprology. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa Vol. 54(2) 2006: 92-9