Hair Worms: Worms which Infest Poultry-Symptoms & Treatments

Hair Worms (Cappilaria) which infest poultry

Picture
Hairworms are intestinal parasites which can cause your chickens to become ill and will spread through your entire flock if left unchecked.
Hairworm appearance
  • 1-2 cm long
  • Thin and hair-like
​Location where hairworms hide
In the esophagus, the crop or the upper part of the fowl's small intestine.
Symptoms
Slow growth
  • Weight loss

​Little appetite
Pale comb and wattles
Ruffled feathers
Diarrhea
Less egg production 
Treatment

There are many types of pharmacutical and over the counter medications used for hair worms which work quite well. Make sure you read and follow the package instructions.
Reference  .Worm parasites in poultry. Queensland government..(Aug. 27, 2012). http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/animal-industries/poultry/diseases-and-disorders/worm-parasites
"To prevent or at least reduce Capillaria infections it is recommended to keep the birds' bedding as dry as possible and to frequently change it, because development of the worms' eggs needs humidity. Strict hygiene of feeders and drinkers are a must to avoid or reduce their contamination with eggs. Pasture rotation is also recommended. For birds kept outdoors it is advisable to restrict their access to humid environments where earthworms are usually more abundant. All these measures are especially important for young birds, which are likely to suffer more from Capillaria infections" (Parasitepedia.net).

Types of Hairworms that infest Poultry

"Capillaria annulata = Eucoleus annulatus, found mainly in chicken, turkey and wild gallinaceans in Europe, America and Asia.

Capillaria bursata = Aonchotheca bursata, found mainly in chicken, turkey, pheasants in Europe and America.

Capillaria contorta = Eucoleus contortus, found mainly in ducks, geese, nut also in chicken, turkey and many wild birds, worldwide.

Capillaria caudinflata = Aonchotheca caudinflata, found mainly in chicken, turkey, geese, pigeons and many wild birds in Europe, Asia and America.

Capillaria obsignata, found mainly in chicken, turkey, geese, pigeons and many wild birds, worldwide.

Capillaria anatis = Capillaria retusa, found mainly in ducks, geese, but also chicken and turkey, worldwide" (Poultrypedia.net).

see 7 ways to prevent worm infestations in chickens & other poultry

The best line of defense against intestinal worms is to have and implement a prevention plan but before you can make a plan you have to know how to prevent worms from infesting your chickens.

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References:
1. Vrijer, Monica de. http://www.aviculture-europe.nl/nummers/06e05a10.pdf
2. Capillaria. Parasitepedia.net Retrieved on July 12, 2017.​http://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2649&Itemid=2938