Abnormalities in Haemogram of Local Scavenger Chickens Infected with Blood Parasites in Maiduguri, Nigeria

H.I. Gambo1, H. Abdulsalam*1, Luka J.,2 and M.D. Himaka1

1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
2Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author’s Email: abdulsalamh@unimaid.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.353433


ABSTRACT

A survey of haemoparasitism and associated changes in haemogram of local scavenger  chickens (LSC) (Gallus gallus domesticus) was carried out at Maiduguri live bird  market. A total of one hundred and twenty-two (122) blood samples were collected  during slaughter at the slaughter slab, screened for haemoparasites and examined for changes in haematological parameters using standard procedures. Among the 122 blood samples taken, Haemoproteus spp. had higher prevalence than Plasmodium spp. The female chickens had higher prevalence of haemoparasites than males. Although there were some slight variations in the haemogram (PCV, Hb and RBC) between apparently healthy and haemoparasite infected LSC, the differences were not tatistically significant. The result showed significant (p<0.05) variations in the TWBC counts between apparently healthy male and female; apparently healthy and haemoparasite infected males; apparently healthy male and haemoparasite infected female. Also, there was significant (p<0.05) variation in the heterophil counts between apparently healthy male and female; apparently healthy and haemoparasite infected male; apparently healthy female and haemoparasite infected male; apparently healthy male and haemoparasite infected female. Similarly, there was significant (p<0.05) variation in lymphocytes counts between apparently healthy male and female;  apparently healthy female and haemoparasite infected male; apparently healthy female  and haemoparasite infected female. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of 45.9%  observed for haemoparasite in the study area suggests endemicity of these parasites in  local scavenger chickens. The absence of significant differences in haematological profile with the exception of TWBC, heterophils and lymphocytes for apparently healthy and haemoparasite-infected chickens indicate that birds may be harbouring the parasites without causing and/or showing any changes in the haematological profile

Keywords:

Haemogram,
Haemoparasites,
Local Scavenger
Chickens,
Maiduguri