Abstract

Background:
Capillaria infections pose a significant economic threat to domestic backyard poultry.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, pathological, and control of Capillaria infections in domestic chickens.

Methods:
Four hundred and fifty-six faecal samples were collected and transferred into clean, sterile, labelled bottles containing 2.5% potassium dichromate as a preservative. The samples were analysed with the direct smear and centrifugal flotation techniques for the detection of Capillaria eggs under a microscope. Forty-five naturally infected, 30-week-old backyard chickens were selected based on their egg per gram (EPG) count and divided into three groups (A–C), which were housed separately. Group A was untreated, while Groups B and C received oral Mebendazole and a Mebendazole derivative compound at doses of 15 mg/1.5 kg for three days, respectively. Faecal samples were collected on days 7, 14, and 21 post-treatments to assess the reduction in Capillaria egg counts in the treated groups. Data were analysed using R (2025) for percentages, chi-square tests, univariate and multivariate analyses of associated factors, and ANOVA on drug efficacy.

Results:
Overall, 39.9% of samples were infected, with higher prevalence in females (43.1%) than males (35.4%), older chickens were more infected (47.4%) than younger chickens (27.5%), and weak (76.8%) compared to healthy chickens (24.0%). Seasonal variation showed the highest infection rates in summer (54.4%) and spring (54.0%), and the lowest in winter (25.2%) and autumn (26.3%). Extensive rearing, muddy housing, and pond water use were associated with significant infection rates. Deworming and biosecurity had significant impact (P

Key words: Capillaria; Poultry farming; Parasitosis; Economy.