Epidemiology of Chewing Lice (Phthiraptera: Mallophaga) Fauna of Poultry in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT: Chewing lice are among the most significant ectoparasites affecting poultry, causing irritation, anemia, and reduced productivity, thereby posing economic and welfare challenges for poultry farmers. Their impact is particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa, where poultry production is predominantly free-range with limited biosecurity, which increases exposure to infestation. This review was conducted to determine the epidemiology of chewing lice species of poultry in sub-Saharan African countries. A search of peer-reviewed literature on the epidemiology of chewing lice species of poultry was conducted on four electronic databases from 1990 to 2024. Nineteen species of chewing lice, namely Menacanthus stramineus, Menacanthus cornutus, Menacanthus pallidulus, Meno

SUBMITTER: Mlondo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12736369 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature