How worm infestation could cost your poultry farming

Worm infestation is one of those silent problems that can slowly drain profits from a poultry farm if it goes unnoticed. Your birds may look normal at first, but inside, worms could be damaging their intestines, stealing nutrients and reducing growth and egg production. Understanding the common types of worms, how they spread, and how to control them is the first step toward protecting your flock.

Understanding poultry worms. In poultry, pathologists group worms (also known as helminths scientifically) into two main types.

The first group is roundworms (nematodes). Just as the name suggests, these worms are round. They are usually between one to five-centimeter-long and two to three millimetres in diameter. They need another host, such as insects or earthworms, to complete their life cycle. They damage the intestines of chickens and other birds. Common roundworms include Ascarids, Capillaria, Heterakis, and Syngamus.

The second group of worms are called tapeworms (cestodes). These worms are long and flat, and they can grow much longer than roundworms and are often more destructive. Common tapeworms in poultry include Davainea and Raillietina.

Most widespread problem

 Roundworms are the most common worms found in poultry, affecting chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and even pigeons. They typically inhabit the intestines, but in severe infestations, they may also be found in the crop, gizzard, oesophagus and occasionally the oviduct.

These worms can cause considerable damage by moving through the intestinal wall and feeding on the lining. This leads to bleeding, inflammation and pain. When infestations are heavy and go untreated for a while, the intestines are blocked by adult worms. Because the worms compete with the bird for nutrients, affected birds end up losing weight, developing diarrhoea and showing poor production.

A single adult roundworm can lay up to 200,000 eggs per day, which she will pass into the litter. These eggs are very tough. They can survive for one to four years in warm and humid conditions, waiting for another bird to ingest them. Dryness, direct sunlight, heat, and extreme cold can destroy them, which is why good litter management is critical in worm control.

Tapeworms (Cestodes) are more destructive and harder to notice. Tapeworms such as Davainea and Raillietina commonly affect chickens, turkeys, guinea fowls, and quails. In laying flocks, they cause a noticeable drop in egg production. Eggs become smaller and shells weaker.

Affected birds lose body condition and often weigh less than 1.3 kilograms. Their keel bone becomes very sharp to the touch, like a blade. Due to blood loss, the combs and wattles turn pale and may even shrink, a clear sign of anaemia. In severe cases, 30 per cent of birds stop laying eggs completely.

Other signs include dirty feathers around the vent, watery or foamy droppings, diarrhoea, poor appetite, and general weakness. Affected birds become dull and inactive, while others may have their vents pecked by flock mates.

How worms enter your farm

Worm infestation usually starts when birds swallow worm eggs or larvae from contaminated litter or manure. Staff or visitors will introduce worm eggs into the poultry house through dirty footwear, clothing, equipment, feed bags, and even wild bird droppings. Farms that keep free-range birds in the same compound are also at higher risk.

 Treatment involves using approved dewormers (anti-helminthic drugs) under the guidance of a registered veterinarian. A commonly used product is Levamisole 7.5 per cent, given through drinking water. In severely infected flocks, you should treat the flock for two days every three to four weeks. In healthier flocks, deworming every two months helps prevent heavy buildup of worms.

It is important to note that egg production rate may temporarily drop during deworming, mainly because birds drink less treated water. To reduce the risk of drug resistance, follow-up treatment with another product such as Flubendazole (e.g Panacur).

Prevention instead of curing

 Preventing worm infestation is far cheaper and easier than treating it. Concrete poultry floors make cleaning and disinfection more effective. Always keep litter dry and loose and repair any water leaks immediately. Limit unnecessary visits to poultry houses, maintain good hygiene, and keep the farm compound clean.