Abstract

Aim: The study was aimed to examine avian haemoparasites and their effects on haematological parameters in village chickens in Gombe State, Nigeria.

Method and materials: Blood samples from village chickens across 8 Local Government Areas were collected. All samples were transported under controlled conditions to maintain sample integrity. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed following standardized protocols.

Results: The overall prevalence of avian haemoparasites was 19.6% (356/1820), with Plasmodium at 13.9% (253/1820), Haemoproteus at 2.6% (47/1820), Leucocytozoon at 0.4% (8/1820), and mixed infections of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus at 2.6% (48/1820). Infected chickens exhibited significant changes in haematological parameters. The mean±SD PCV (%) was lower in chickens infected with Plasmodium (25.6±6.4), Haemoproteus (27.1±5.2), Leucocytozoon (25.0±3.0), and mixed infections (24.5±5.2) compared to uninfected chickens (32.0±6.8). Similarly, Hb concentration (g/dl) was lower in infected chickens, with values for Plasmodium (10.0±2.8), Haemoproteus (10.3±2.4), Leucocytozoon (11.0±1.8), and mixed infections (9.8±2.6) versus uninfected chickens (11.4±2.3). RBC counts (x10⁶/µl) also decreased in infected chickens, indicating normocytic normochromic anaemia. Heterophils and lymphocyte values increased in infected chickens. Biochemical analysis showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of blood glucose, total plasma protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, and alanine aminotransferase in infected chickens, especially those with Plasmodium or mixed infections. Haemoproteus-infected chickens had higher total plasma protein and serum albumin levels than uninfected chickens, while Leucocytozoon-infected chickens showed generally lower, but not statistically (p> 0.05) significant, values.

Conclusion: In conclusion, avian haemoparasites are prevalent among village chickens in Gombe State, significantly affecting their haematological and biochemical profiles, leading to anaemia and altered biochemical parameters. Village chicken farmers should be informed about the impact of avian malaria on poultry productivity, and further research should be conducted to evaluate the prevalence and epidemiology of avian haemoparasites in other poultry species and regions of Nigeria.

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