Deworming Backyard Poultry

 

There are several types of intestinal worms that can cause problems for backyard poultry flocks. The most common intestinal worms seen in Pennsylvania flocks are roundworms (Ascaridia spp.), cecal worms (Heterakis spp.), threadworms (Capillaria spp.), and tapeworms (Raillietina and Choanotaenia spp.). The presence of a small number of worms does not typically cause clinical problems for poultry. Clinical signs associated with high worm burdens can include diarrhea, depression, reduced weight gain, weight loss, anemia, worms in eggs, and decreased egg production. However, many of these signs are not specific for worms so a definitive diagnosis should be made by microscopic examination of the feces for worm eggs and/or larvae. Cecal worms rarely cause clinical issues for chickens but are especially problematic for turkeys as they can carry Histomonas meleagridis, the protozoal parasite that causes Blackhead. There is currently no treatment for Blackhead, so successful control of cecal worms is an important step for the control of Blackhead.

 

Birds become infected by ingesting worm eggs from feed, water, litter, or grass contaminated by feces or through ingestion of an intermediate host (e.g. earthworms, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, flies, beetles, etc.) containing worm eggs. Worm eggs can survive in the environment for long periods of time and are resistant to killing by common disinfectants.

 

There are two approaches to deworming backyard poultry flocks: 1) deworm birds on a routine schedule, or 2) only deworm birds when there is a high worm burden. Many veterinary clinics or diagnostic labs can evaluate the worm burden in a bird or flock through examination of feces. The best approach for deworming your flock will depend on many factors including: the size of your flock, if your birds are housed in a coop or if your birds have access to grass pasture, and the history of intestinal worms in your flock.

 

Fenbendazole is the only product that is currently approved for treatment and control of roundworms (Ascaridia spp.) and cecal worms (Heterakis spp.) in chickens and turkeys in the United States. Fenbendazole is available as a medicated feed labelled for use in turkeys (Safe-Guard) or in a water-soluble formulation to be added to drinking water (Safe-Guard AquaSol) labelled for use in chickens. No withdrawal time is required for consumption of eggs or meat from treated birds when administered according to label directions. Although Safe-Guard is available over-the-counter (OTC), a prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required if the drug is used in a manner that differs from the label directions (e.g. used in a different species, at a different dose, for a different duration, etc.). Piperazine (Wazine) was available as a feed/water additive for deworming poultry; however, this product is no longer available for use in the United States. There are currently no effective dewormers approved for control of tapeworms in the U.S.

 

You should always consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of intestinal worms in your flock.

Video: Swine Industry Advances: Biodigesters Lower Emissions and Increase Profits

Analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG emissions) in the Canadian swine sector found that CH4 emissions from manure were the largest contributor to the overall emissions, followed by emissions from energy use and crop production.

This innovative project, "Improving Swine Manure-Digestate Management Practices Towards Carbon Neutrality With Net Zero Emission Concepts," from Dr. Rajinikanth Rajagopal, under Swine Cluster 4, seeks to develop strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

While the management of manure can be very demanding and expensive for swine operations, it can also be viewed as an opportunity for GHG mitigation, as manure storage is an emission source built and managed by swine producers. Moreover, the majority of CH4 emissions from manure occur during a short period of time in the summer, which can potentially be mitigated with targeted intervention.

In tandem with understanding baseline emissions, Dr. Rajagopal's work focuses on evaluating emission mitigation options. Manure additives have the potential of reducing manure methane emissions. Additives can be deployed relatively quickly, enabling near-term emission reductions while biodigesters are being built. Furthermore, additives can be a long-term solution at farms where biogas is not feasible (e.g., when it’s too far from a central digester). Similarly, after biodigestion, additives can also be used to further reduce emissions from storage to minimize the carbon intensity of the bioenergy.