On-Host Occurrence of Argas persicus in Retail Village Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Ticks transmit a greater variety of pathogenic micro-organisms than any other arthropod vector group, and are among the most important vectors of diseases affecting animals. A survey of the on-host occurrence of Argas persicus infesting retail domestic village chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) sourced from three local markets (Maiduguri Monday market, Baga Road market and Custom-Abbaganaram market) in Maiduguri was conducted between April and May, 2021. Five hundred (500) conveniently selected local birds consisting of 280 from Maiduguri Monday market, 100 from Baga road market and 120 from Custom-Abbaganaram markets were examined by feather separation with fingers and a pair of forceps to expose the skin of the birds for evidence of presence of ticks. Out of the 500 domestic chickens examined, 23 were infested given an overall prevalence of 4.6%. Prevalence of infestation was higher in birds from Monday market 16 (5.7 %) compared to Custom-Abbaganaram market 4 (3.3%), while Baga road market had the least infestation 3 (3.0%). All the ticks collected were identified as Argas persicus based on morphological features. The distribution of the ticks based on infested body parts showed that the under-wings had the highest incidence 20 (4%), followed by the thigh 16 (3.2%) and breast 5 (1%). The incidence of tick’s infestation between the sexes is not significant (p>0.05), with female infestation 14 (4.6%) being higher compared to males 9 (4.5%). Based on age groups of infested birds, incidence in adult birds 16 (4.7%) was higher than in young birds 7 (4.4%), though not statistically significant (p>0.05). This study has established the existence, although low, of Argas persicus among retail village chickens in Maiduguri. In view of this, the likelihood of transmission of Argas persicus and the pathogens harboured to otherwise free flocks were possible in the study area.