Avaliação da redução da carga parasitária de Menacanthus stramineus e Menopon gallinae pós-intervenção com carbarilem galinhas caipiras no município de Novorizonte, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Ectoparasite infestation represents a significant sanitary problem in poultry production, especially in extensive rearing systems where management conditions favor the maintenance of the parasites' biological cycles. Among the ectoparasites with the greatest impact on domestic chickens, the lice Menopon gallinae and Menacanthus stramineus stand out for compromising animal welfare and productive performance. This study aimed to report the identification, diagnosis, and efficacy of carbaryl in controlling these lice in backyard chickens in Novorizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Thirty birds of the species Gallus gallus domesticus were evaluated and subjected to clinical inspection, manual collection of ectoparasites, and laboratory identification by optical microscopy. Treatment consisted of the topical application of a carbaryl-based product, combined with sanitary management of the facilities. Before the intervention, intense infestation was observed in all birds. Seven days after treatment, a statistically significant reduction in the parasitic load was observed. Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the calculated efficacy was 90.24%, exceeding initial expectations for extensive systems. It is concluded that carbaryl proved to be an effective, practical, and easy-to-apply alternative for lice control in family-based poultry farming when combined with adequate hygiene and prophylactic measures.