INVESTIGATION ON HAEMOPARASITES OF CHICKEN SLAUGHTERED IN AZARE KASUWAR KAJI MARKET

ABSTRACT The study forces on investigation on haemoparasites of chicken slaughtered in Azare Kasuwar Kaji Market. Haemoparasitic infections in poultry, particularly chickens, are significant threats to the global poultry industry, affecting animal health and economic productivity. These infections are caused by blood parasites, such as Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp., and Leucocytozoon spp., which are transmitted by various vectors, including mosquitoes, biting midges, and blackflies. The study was conducted at Azare Kasuwan Kaji Market, a major livestock market in Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Azare is one of the largest towns in Bauchi State and serves as a commercial hub for livestock trade, including poultry farming. The Kasuwan Kaji Market is known for its high volume of poultry transactions, with chickens sourced from different parts of Bauchi State and neighboring regions. The study employs a stratified random sampling technique to ensure a representative selection of chickens slaughtered at Azare Kasuwan Kaji Market. The population is stratified based on poultry breed (indigenous vs. exotic), source of poultry (free-range vs. commercial farms), and health status (apparently healthy vs. symptomatic birds). The findings of this study offer important insights into the prevalence, risk factors, and management practices associated with haemoparasitic infections in chickens slaughtered at Azare Kuzuwan Kaji Market. The results align with previous research that identifies haemoparasites as significant contributors to poultry morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resource settings where biosecurity and veterinary services are limited. Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, the following recommendations are proposed: Routine Veterinary Surveillance and Treatment: Poultry farmers and sellers in Azare should be encouraged to adopt regular veterinary check-ups and treatment schedules. This includes routine blood screening, deworming, and the administration of anti-parasitic medications to minimize infection rates. Improved Poultry Management Practices: Proper sanitation, adequate ventilation, regular cleaning of poultry pens, and provision of clean drinking water should be prioritized. Intensive and semi-intensive management systems should be encouraged over free-range or extensive systems to reduce vector contact