Fly strike in broilers in Kamrup district of Assam

Abstract

Fly strike also known as myiasis, is the infestation of any part of the body by the larvae of Cyclorrhaphan dipterous insect (maggot) which feed on host tissues or body fluids. Economic loss in terms of meat, milk and wool production in livestock has been well documented; the same in poultry however is rather ignored by workers both in India and abroad engaged in avian health. Although mortality is negligible, morbidity may be enormous resulting in reduced both egg and meat production. Therefore, the present study has been undertaken in 13 broiler farms with stock capacity ranged from 201 to 1000 in Kamrup district of Assam to observe the prevalence of myiasis. A total of 2015, 2005, 2258 and 982 birds were examined at the age of 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th weeks, respectively. The overall infestation rate was 1.24%. The study revealed 0(0.00%), 21(1.05%), 45(1.99%) and 24(2.24%) birds infected with myiasis at the age of 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th week, respectively. In regards to stock capacity the prevalence rate was recorded as 0.28%, 0.45%, 1.27% and 1.79% with number of birds ranging from 201-400, 401-600, 601-800 and 801-1000, respectively. The c2 test revealed significant difference (p