Farm & Ranch
Nematodes in Chickens
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Nematodes (roundworms) are common parasites in chickens. With the modernization of commercial poultry production, many nematode infections have been reduced. However, free range and backyard flocks have issues with parasites because they are in constant contact with the outdoors. Fortunately, clinical illness is not usually a problem unless parasite burdens become severe. The most common roundworms causing issues in poultry are ascarids, cecal worms, and thread worms.
Ascaridia galli species, commonly referred to as ascarids, are the largest nematode in poultry. The white female roundworms may measure over four inches in length. Ascarids are located in the small intestines of domestic and wild birds. The worms have a simple and direct life cycle. This means that the worm eggs pass in the fecal material of the parasitized birds. Birds are infected when they ingest feces or fecal contaminated food or water.
Adult birds rarely have issues with ascarid infection, but chicks are more susceptible. In moderate infections, clinical illness is rare. However, heavy burdens of worms result in weight loss, weakness, and diarrhea.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Tressa Lawrence
Ranchers across northeast Wyoming and the surrounding areas saw record moisture levels in 2023. The year 2024 has seen significantly less moisture to date.
By Lindsey Monk
People are finishing up brandings. Here, Danny Walter is shown getting it done.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
On July 6, 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) posted in the Federal Register a proposal that radio frequency identification tags be used as official identification for cattle and bison. Following a period for public comment, the USDA APHIS released a statement on April 24, 2024, with the amended animal disease traceability (ADT) regulation for cattle and bison. The full press release may be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-bolsters-animal-disease-traceability-united-states. Under the new rule, cattle and bison will need to be identified with tags that are both visual and electronic.
The USDA defines ADT as knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they have been, and when the animal disease event took place. A system that allows for efficient traceability of livestock in the United States is essential for animal health and reducing the economic effect of a foreign animal disease outbreak and other diseases on livestock producers as well as others whose well-being depends on livestock production.
To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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