The purpose of the B. Sc. Thesis was to thoroughly present the most common parasitic worms or Helminths found in poultry, how to prevent and treat infections. Ascaridia galli, Syngamus trachea, Heterakis gallinarum and Capillaria spp. are roundworms belonging to the class Nematoda, while tapeworms are flatworms belonging to the class Cestoda. The majority of worms infect the digestive tract, but are also found in the trachea and eyes. The size, length and the life cycle vary depending on the worm species. The life cycle can be direct or indirect with a mandatory intermediate host. Worms have a major impact on host's health and productivity. Ascaridia galli is a nematode parasite of the small intestine and causes ascaridiasis, a disease of poultry due to heavy worm infection. Heterakis gallinarum lives in the cecum of some domestic poultry species and acts as a potential carrier for protozoan Histomonas meleagridis, which causes of histomoniasis (blackhead disease). Syngamus trachea is a parasitic roundworm that infects the respiratory system of poultry and causes the host to gape for air and may cause asphyxiation due to blockage of the trachea. Capillariosis is a disease caused by Capillaria spp. parasitic roundworms. Predilection sites of adult Capillaria worms are oesophagus, small intestine, crop and cecum. Tapeworms are flattened and segmented worms. They attach themselves to the intestine’s interior wall and absorb nutrients from the contents which is associated with a loss of feed efficiency. Measures for the control of internal parasites in poultry are largely preventive (preventing buildup of faeces, sanitation, disinfection, hygiene, and management) but also curative by using anti-worm drugs A single treatment is insufficient, so for efficient suppression of worms repeated treatments are necessary.
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