Ascarids (Large Intestinal Roundworms)
Ascaridiosis, caused by the nematode worm Ascaridia galli, is a common parasitic infection affecting chickens and turkeys. These large roundworms, reaching over 3 inches in length, can significantly impact poultry health and productivity.
Impact and Clinical Signs
- Reduced feed utilization: Adult worms compete with the host for nutrients, leading to weight loss and poor growth, even in mild infections.
- Diarrhea and weakness: Severe infections can cause diarrhea, droopiness, and emaciation.
- Egg contamination: In rare cases, adult worms can migrate through the oviduct, becoming enclosed within the egg whites. While aesthetically unpleasant, this poses no human health risk.
Life Cycle and Transmission
- Simple and direct lifecycle: Adult worms lay eggs in the intestines, passed out in feces.
- Embryonated eggs: Develop within the eggs over 2-3 weeks, becoming infective.
- Hardy eggs: Can survive up to two years in the environment, resistant to most disinfectants.
- Transmission: Birds become infected by ingesting infective eggs from contaminated soil, feed, or water.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Clinical signs and history: Suggestive, but definitive diagnosis requires fecal examination or necropsy.
- Limited treatment options: Available drugs only target adult worms, not the developing larvae.
- Piperazine: The preferred treatment, effective against adult worms, administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prevention and Control
- Strict sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfection of housing, equipment, and utensils help break the transmission cycle.
- Age segregation: Minimize contact between young and older birds, as younger birds are more susceptible.
- Rotation of range: Provide clean, uncontaminated ranges for each new flock, if birds are free-range.
- Biosecurity: Limit the introduction of new birds and implement quarantine procedures to prevent parasite introduction.
- Vaccination: While vaccines exist, their effectiveness is limited and not widely recommended.
Comparison with other worm infections
- Heterakis (cecal worm): Smaller worms located in the ceca, causing similar symptoms but controlled through similar sanitation practices.
- Capillaria worms: Diverse group with varied locations and symptoms, typically requiring specific anthelmintics for treatment.
Additional Information
- Public health risk: Ascaridia galli is not zoonotic and poses no risk to humans consuming poultry or eggs.
- Economic impact: Ascaridiosis can significantly impact poultry production by reducing egg production, slowing growth, and increasing mortality.
- Research and development: Ongoing research aims to develop more effective control methods, including improved anthelmintics and alternative strategies for worm management.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of poultry diseases.
Resources
- MSD Veterinary Manual: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/
- National Poultry Improvement Plan: https://www.poultryimprovement.org/
- University of Georgia Poultry Extension: https://poultry.caes.uga.edu/extension.html
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