Advances in Biological Research 11 (3): 139-143, 2017 ISSN 1992-0067 © IDOSI Publications, 2017 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.abr.2017.139.143 Corresponding Author: Simegnew Adugna, College of Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, P. O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. 139 Prevalence of Ascaridia galli in Intensive Poultry Production System in Eastern Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia Faris Teni, Simegnew Adugna and Migbaru Keffale College of Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014. A total of 384 faecal sample were collected from chicken for coprological examination, from which 137(35.7%) found to be infected by Ascaridia galli (A. galli). The result indicates that among the breeds White leg horn was found the highest prevalence of infection 44.9% followed by Egyptian Fayoumi (30.8%) and Bovans Brown (30.2%). Deep litter system was found with higher prevalence (42.00%) than the cage system (28.8%). However, the differences in the prevalence of A. galli in the housing system were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the prevalence of A. galli infection in male (34.9%) and females (36.0%) and the difference in the prevalence of A. galli in age groups (less than 6 month’s 36.7%, 6-12 month’s 35.2 and above 12 month’s 35.5%) was found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that the results of this study confirms the higher risk of A.galli infections in floor system compared to indoor battery cage and litter system. Key words: Ascaridia Galli Coprological Haramaya Poultry Prevalence INTRODUCTION immunosuppression. Studies in other countries had The total poultry production of Ethiopia is estimated village chicken flocks is close to 100% and in most cases at 56.5 million, of which about 99% are raised under the individual birds’ harbour more than one parasite type [3]. traditional backyard system of management, while 1% is In the commercial table egg production systems the most exotic breeds maintained under intensive management commonly occurring Helminths species are Ascaridia system. The intensive management system is galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Capillaria species [2]. characterized by high in put, high output and low A. galli is the most common worm found in birds causing destruction of the flock due to disease outbreak as great economic lossesin modern poultry. These live in compared to the backyard poultry production system [1]. central portion of the small intestine which serves as a Despite the presence of large number of chicken in potential vector for salmonella enteric dissemination in Ethiopia, contribution to national economy or benefit from poultry [4]. the sector is very limited due to disease, nutritional and The life cycle of A. galli is faeco-oral; that is, the management factors. Although the prevalence of parasitic parasite passes directly from one bird to another via infections has been greatly reduced in the commercial ingestion of parasite eggs. Eggs are shed in the faeces. production system, mostly due to improved housing, Warm, damp conditions allow the worm eggs to hygiene and management operation, a large number of survive in the environment for a long time. helminthes are still widely distributed throughout the Occasionally, earthworms can act as transport hosts. world [2]. After infection, it usually takes 40–60 days before the Common poultry parasites range from helminthes, bird starts to pass parasite eggs in its droppings; but the lice, mites, fleas, ticks and coccidia. Parasitism causes prevalence and intensity of infection may be influenced reduced growth, egg production, emaciation and by several factors, including host factors (Age, sex and anemia as well as mortality. Moreover, it has been breed), climatic conditions (Temperature and humidity) reported that concurrent parasitic infections result in [5]. shown that the prevalence of parasitic infestations in