OCCURRENCE OF ASCARIDIOSIS AND RISK FACTORS IN GUINEA FOWL () IN THE URBAN COMMUNE OF KINDIA, REPUBLIC OF GUINEA

Abstract

In the Republic of Guinea, epidemiological data on Numida meleagris ascaridiosis remain virtually non-existent, despite the growing role of this smallholder production system in household food security. This study determined the prevalence of Ascaridia infection in guinea fowl in the Urban Commune of Kindia and identified the associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and April 2024 in 366 guinea fowl across 10 localities of the commune. Parasitological status was assessed by coproscopic examination, combining direct wet-mount and flotation methods, with eggs identified using classical morphological criteria for the genus Ascaridia. A structured questionnaire and clinical examination assessed farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding parasite control. Overall ascaridiosis prevalence was estimated at 46.72% and increased significantly with decreasing age, rising from 18.18% in birds older than 2 years to 63.95% in keets aged 0-1 year (P < 0.0001). Prevalence was also significantly higher in extensively raised birds than in those under semi-intensive management, in flocks with poor hygiene than in those with good hygiene, and in birds fed exclusively by free-range foraging than in those receiving supplementary feed (P < 0.0001), whereas sex and locality had no significant effect (P > 0.05). The survey revealed that 60.87% of farmers were unaware of ascaridiosis, alongside insufficient prophylactic coverage and systematic cohabitation between treated and untreated animals. These findings confirm active circulation of ascaridiosis in smallholder guinea fowl flocks in Kindia, driven mainly by young age and by husbandry practices exposing birds to contaminated ground, and support targeted awareness and deworming programmes prioritising young birds and extensive production systems.