A Comprehensive Note on Ectoparasites Affecting Domestic Fowl: a Global Perspective with Special Emphasis on India

Ectoparasites infesting domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) represent a significant and pervasive threat to the health, welfare and productivity worldwide. These ectoparasites inhabit the skin, feathers, and external surfaces of the birds. They feed on blood causes direct damage, skin irritation and feather destruction. they also serve as vectors for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens. Poultry sector in India is vast and rapidly expanding industry, encompassing both intensive commercial units and extensive backyard systems. Infestation of ectoparasite poses a substantial economic burden and a constraint to sustainable production. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the major ectoparasitic groups (lice, mites, fleas, ticks, and bugs) infesting domestic fowl globally. It covers the present status of research in taxonomy, morphology, life cycles, clinical and economic impacts, diagnostic methods, and integrated control strategies. This review paper emphasised on the need for region-specific epidemiological studies, the monitoring of acaricide resistance, and the development of sustainable, holistic management approaches tailored to diverse production systems.