Comparative Studies on the Helminth Fauna of Native and Introduced Domestic Fowls in Ghana

Abstract

1. One hundred and eight native domestic fowls and the same number of introduced birds were killed and examined for helminth parasites between July 1965 and April 1966. 2. Eighteen species of helminths were found in the native birds as opposed to ten in the introduced ones. 3. A detailed comparison of the incidence and intensity of is infection of the different species of parasites in each type of fowl given. 4. The frequency distribution of the number of species of helminths in both types of chickens follows a normal distribution, reflecting the multiple infection in the birds. The frequency distribution of the number of individuals of any one species approximately fits a negative binomial distribution. 5. In general, the native birds were found to be more heavily infected than the introduced ones. This is probably related to differences in host resistance, diet, sanitation and the type of poultry husbandry practised.