| BLACKHEAD DISEASE (Histomoniasis) |
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Causative Agent: Histomonas meleagridis |
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Transmission: Ingestion of cecal worms from contaminated feces |
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Incubation Period: 7-12 days |
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Most common in young turkeys and pigeons but older ones occasionally show signs. |
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Morbidity: 2% to 5% |
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Mortality: 5% to 20% |
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Signs: 1. Anorexia 2. Depression 3. Sulfur - yellow droppings 4. Cyanotic head (comb and wattle) 5. Droopy wings 6. Ruffled feathers |
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Gross Lesions: 1. Ceca - thickened and hyperemic cecal walls, serous and hemorrhagic excudate from mucosa, and distention of the walls. Casseation of exdate usually occurs, forming a cheesy cecal core. 2. Liver - well defined, oval, concave (dished-in) with yellowish to yeloowgreen areas. |
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Diagnosis: 1. Appearance of yellow - sulfur droppings. 2. Characteristic cecal and liver lesions. 3. Demonstration of Histomonas sp. in the liver lesions (histopathology) |
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Differential Diagnosis: 1. Coccidiosis 2. Avian Leukosis |
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Prevention: 1. Strict hygine and sanitation. 2. Turkeys and chikens should not be mixed in a flock. 3. Regular deworming program must be strictly followed. 4. Avoid overcrowding. |
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Control: 1. Separate chikens from turkeys 2. Minimize stress conditions and other diseases like coccidiosis and E.coli septicemia. |
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Recommended Supportive Medication: 1. Dimetridazole as feed pre-mix. 2. Furazolisone - 0.022% of feed. |
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