What is turkey histomonadosis?
Histomonadosis, also known as histomonosis or blackhead disease, is one of the most dangerous diseases of turkeys. It is caused by the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis , which mainly attacks the liver and cecum of turkeys. This disease can cause significant losses in poultry farms, especially in young birds.
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This protozoan is transmitted by the eggs of the nematode Heterakis gallinarum , which parasitizes in the intestines of birds. Turkeys can become infected by consuming contaminated water or feed, as well as by direct contact with infected birds. High humidity and improper hygienic conditions favor the development and spread of the disease.
Read more Poultry aspergillosis – a serious disease of chickens and turkeys
What are the symptoms of histomonadosis in turkeys?
Symptoms of histomonadosis can be varied, but most often include:
- apathy and weakness;
- loss of appetite;
- diarrhea, often green or yellow;
- weight loss;
- progressive apathy.
In advanced cases, birds may show a characteristic dark discoloration of the scalp, hence the name "blackhead disease". The disease progresses quickly and without proper treatment may lead to the death of birds.
It is estimated that the mortality rate of histomonosis reaches 70-100%. in turkey flocks.
How to diagnose histomonadosis in turkeys?
The diagnosis of histomonosis is crucial for prompt action. It includes, among others:
- Observation of clinical symptoms of the disease.
- Laboratory tests of stool to detect the presence of the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis.
- Autopsy of dead birds, which may reveal characteristic changes in the liver and cecum.
If histomonadosis is confirmed, it is necessary to take immediate action to limit the spread of the disease.
How to prevent histomonadosis in turkey breeding?
Currently, there is no causal treatment for histomonadosis permitted in Poland. That is why preventing this disease is so crucial. Appropriate prevention will keep your turkey flock healthy.
To achieve this, you need to take care of:
- Maintaining a high standard of hygiene in breeding rooms.
- Regular monitoring of herd health.
- Use of appropriate deworming programs.
- Isolation of newly purchased birds before introducing them to the flock.
- Ensuring adequate ventilation and humidity control.
- Isolating individual flocks of turkeys from each other.
Remember: prevention is always better than cure. Especially in the case of histomonadosis. With appropriate preventive measures, the risk of histomonosis in breeding can be significantly reduced.
What are the consequences of neglecting the prevention of histomonadosis in turkeys?
Neglecting the prevention of histomonadosis may lead to serious consequences for poultry farming. The disease usually spreads quickly through the flock, causing high mortality, especially among young birds. The economic impact can be significant due to losses resulting from bird falls.
In large-scale herds, losses can reach millions!
That is why appropriate prevention is so crucial. Its long-term neglect may lead to difficulties in rebuilding the herd. In practice, this involves huge costs.
Read more How to reduce the effects of heat stress in poultry?
Histomonadosis in turkeys – summary
Histomonadosis is a serious threat to farm turkeys, but it can be effectively prevented. It is crucial to monitor the health of birds, maintain high hygiene standards and quickly respond to the first symptoms of disease. Properly selected deworming programs also play an important role.
Sources:
- MSD Veterinary Manual – Histomoniasis in Poultry (Robert Beckstead)
- FDA – Blackhead Disease in Poultry
