Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

A study of the biting lice on chickens and its seasonal fluctuations of species on local chickens were conducted in four locations in Erbil governorate namely, Baharka, Kusnazan, Koshteba and Kanikurzala. Also the estimation of infesting percentage with lice and its kinds. Results revealed the occurrence of six species of biting lice on chickens, the chickens body lice (Menacanthus stramineus), the feather shift lice (Menopon gallinae), the chicken head lice (Cuclotogaster heterographus), the fluff lice (Goniocotes gallinae), the large chicken head lice (Goniodes gigas), and the wing lice (Lipeurus caponis). The infestation with M. stramineus was heavy in all locations and seasons in comparison with the other species. The highest average number of the lice on a single chicken through all seasons was in Baharka location (340.8 louse) and the highest number of lice on a single chicken was 249.6 louse during winter.