We have reviewed elsewhere the red mite parasite, these are the main surface parasites of chicken and their treatment. Although red mites are probably the most important and severe parasite of the skin of the bird, lice are also irritant and can be treated in the same way as red mites. Parasitic worms are another very important consideration and should be treated routinely. Please continue to read the full details for more information.
The endoparasites (those living inside the bird) are basically the worms. These can be divided into 4 groups:
Ascarid (round worms)
Living in the intestine. The adults are 2-3 inches in length
Capillaria (hairworms)
Living in the intestine and a maximum of 1 inch in length
Heterakis (caecal worms)
Living in the caeca and associated with a disease called Blackhead
Tape worms
Consisting of segmented worms 7 -10 cm in length
Clinical signs
Round worms are the most common and the larval stages can cause intestinal damage, enteritis , poor egg shell colour and loss of production. The adult worms can also cause a physical obstruction in the intestine. They are treated with Flubenvet and require regular treatment every 4- 6 weeks where there is high levels of infection.
The eggs are very resistant to cleaning and Interkokask RTU is licensed as a disinfectant to destroy eggs. In young birds it is advisable to test droppings to see the extent of any worms and then your vet can devise a preventative worming policy with your birds.
Ivermectin will kill worms as well as mites and can be used alternatively with other products in a control plan, this product will require a 7 day egg withdrawal if used in laying hens.
Capillaria, the hairworm , can cause more damage to the intestine than the round worms with anaemia, enteritis , pale eggs and ill thrift. Control measures are similar to round worms.
Caecal worms do not in themselves cause a problem but act as an intermediate host for the parasite which causes blackhead. Blackhead causes liver damage and high mortality on some farms. It is not easy to treat and you need to consult your vet if you believe it is present. The caecal worms are treated in a similar manner to round worms.
Tapeworms are rarely found and in general do not cause a major problem to birds.
Diagnosis is by examining droppings samples.