Environmental Management of Poultry Houses: Controlling the Proliferation of Insect Pests in Togo

Modern poultry farming in West Africa is crucial for food security and financial security, but it coexists with insects, which can be harmful and vectors of diseases. This study aims to explore the diversity of insects in the litter and poultry farms, and to determine the factors behind their proliferation in the Maritime Region of Togo. Ninety (90) layer farms were sampled for this study. Insect collection was carried out in two phases: collection of insects around and inside the poultry house, and in the litter. Insects were identified using entomological keys. In the litter, the results showed that Alphitobius diaperinus (black beetle) is the most abundant (92.28%), with an average population of 270.5 ± 10.8 (n=120) and an average density of 164.87 ± 8.47 per square meter. Around and inside the poultry houses, Diptera were identified as the most abundant (91.99%), with an average population of 3472.2 ±31.2 (n=120). The density of insects in the litter was higher under the drinkers and feeders than in other areas (p<0.0001). The proliferation of insects in the litter is strongly linked to the duration of use of this litter (p<0.0001). The moisture content of the litter also facilitates the proliferation of insects under the drinkers and feeders (p=0.010 and p=0.001, respectively). In conclusion, poultry farms harbour a diversity of insects, some of which could be vectors of pathologies. These results highlight the importance of environmental and litter management to limit the proliferation of insects in these farms.