THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE PREVALENCE AND TRANSMISSION OF HELMINTH PARASITE IN POULTRY

Poultry products have been a major source of protein and goodly living to man over the years but, have experienced a major setback in recent times as a result of helminths infection. This study investigated the effect of environmental factors on the prevalence and transmission of helminth parasites in poultry across six farms. A total of 180 birds were examined, of which 66 were infected, giving an overall prevalence of 36.7%. The recovered helminths included Ascaridia galli (44.3%), Strongyloides avium (26.2%), Heterakis gallinarum (10.7%), Capillaria spp. (6.0%), Raillietina tetragona (10.7%), and Echinostoma spp. (1.6%). A. galli was the most prevalent species, while Echinostoma spp. occurred least. Farm-level prevalence varied, with Farm D recording the highest infection rate (46.7%) and Farm B the lowest (26.7%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in prevalence by species (χ² = 71.931, df = 25, p < 0.0001), but not across farms (χ² = 4.019, df = 5, p = 0.547). Environmental assessments showed that farms with higher temperature and humidity (30–31 °C; 68–70%) tended to have greater parasite burdens. Risk factors such as bushy surroundings, stagnant water, accumulation of poultry litter, and the use of untreated manure were strongly associated with helminth persistence. The findings confirm that helminth transmission is strongly influenced by environmental conditions and management practices.Poultry farmers should put in place adequate measures to curtail the transmission rate of helminthiasis among poultry to ensure maximum productivity.