Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Broilers in Maseru District, Lesotho

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites remain a significant constraint in poultry production, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the prevalence and comparative incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in broilers reared under urban and semi-urban conditions in Maseru District, Lesotho. A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from broilers across six villages and examined using the McMaster flotation technique. Identified parasites included Eimeria spp. (coccidia), nematodes (Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli), and cestodes (Raillietina spp). Mixed infestations were also recorded, with coccidia–nematode combinations being most common. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was higher in semi-urban areas (mean FEC = 1019.8) than in urban areas (mean FEC = 299.6). The faecal egg count (FEC) of coccidia was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the two agro-ecological zones. Age was a significant factor, with higher parasite loads observed in 5–6-week-old broilers compared to younger birds. The findings demonstrate that broilers in semi-urban regions are more predisposed to coccidiosis, while nematodes and cestodes were relatively more frequent in urban flocks. These results underscore the need for targeted parasite control strategies to improve broiler productivity in Lesotho.