Control and Management of Parasites in Backyard Poultry System: A Review

Backyard poultry farming plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, nutritional security, and women empowerment in many developing countries. However, productivity and health of backyard poultry are severely constrained by parasitic diseases. Both ectoparasites and endoparasites are widely prevalent under scavenging and semi-intensive systems due to poor biosecurity, lack of veterinary support, and continuous exposure to contaminated environments. Parasite infestations lead to reduced growth, poor egg production, anaemia, increased susceptibility to secondary infections, and mortality, resulting in substantial economic losses. This review summarizes the major parasitic problems of backyard poultry, their epidemiology, impact on health and production, and current control strategies with emphasis on sustainable, low-cost, and farmer-friendly approaches. Integrated parasite management, combining managemental, chemical, biological, and ethnoveterinary measures, is highlighted as the most practical strategy for effective control in backyard poultry systems.