Ascaridia galli, prevalent worm in cage-free hens

Ascaridia galli is an internal parasite of poultry, recurrent in commercial farms of all sizes which has become prevalent in recent years, especially in Europe, after the implementation of the 2012 european regulation that requires eliminating the rearing of hens in cages, which also brings the consequence that keeping hens on the floor increases the risk of infections with this type of parasites.

David Corredor

Ascaridia galli is an internal parasite of poultry, recurrent in commercial farms of all sizes, both in laying hens and breeders, including broilers, and which has become prevalent in recent years, especially in Europe, after the implementation of the 2012 european regulation that requires eliminating the rearing of hens in cages, which although it improves the quality of life of these animals, also brings the consequence that keeping hens on the floor increases the risk of infections with this type of parasites.

The presence of Ascaridia galli causes economic losses for the poultry farmer because it reduces production. This roundworm destroys the intestinal mucosa causing:

• Decrease in the bird’s body condition.
• Decrease in defenses
• Enteritis
• Anemia
• Decrease in egg production
• Eggs with pale yolk

The parasite lodges in the intestine and its eggs are released with the bird’s feces, so that when hens are not caged, as they peck continuously on the ground, they can be transmitted to other hens. In free-range hen farms on the ground, prevalences of 90% have been found.

To control Ascaridia galli in poultry, it is important to implement a comprehensive management program that includes prevention and treatment measures. Some recommendations are: