gastro-intestinal_parasitiosis

GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITOSIS
Tapeworm (Trematode) infection

Causative Agent:
1. Railletina sp. (Nodular tapeworm disease)
2. Davainea proglottina.

Transmission:
1. Ingestion of infested intermediate host (ants,beetles, slugs and snails), fomites, contaminated feed and water.

Incubation Period: 2 weeks.

Morbidity: 2% to 5%

Mortality: 5% to 10%.

Age Group affected: Broiler chicken - 4 days to 8 weeks old.

Signs:
1. Unthrifty.
2. Emciation.
3. Anemia.
4. Inappetance.
5. Drooping appearance.
6. Excessive thirst.
7. Death.
8. Decreased egg production.

Gross Lesions:
1. Musculature - general paleness.
2. Intestines - brush-like hemorrhages, thinning of the mucosa.

Diagnosis:
1. Demonstration of the eggs in the feces.
2. Demonstration of adult tapeworms in the intestines.
3. Hypovitaminosis B.

Differential Diagnosis:
1. Coccidiosis.
2. Mineral (Zinc) deficiency.

Prevention:
1. Elimination of the intermediate host.
2. Avoid overcrowding.
3. Good nutrition.
4. Regular deworming.

Control:
1. Avoid overstocking.
2. Improve the management & husbandry and general hygiene on the farm.

Treatment:
1. Flubendazole (Flubenol 2% 600 gm / ton of feed. 1-2 weeks).
2. Levamisole.
3. Mebendazole.


Severe infection of tapeworm in the small intestine.	Hemorrhages on the mucosal membrane of the proventriculus.