Disease sheet · NEXTEKCI School
Intestinal worms
ascaridiasis · roundworms · tapeworms
Worms that live in the gut and steal part of the feed. They slow growth, reduce laying and weaken birds against other diseases. They mainly concern birds kept for a long time and those with outdoor access.
Type
parasite
Severity
moderate
Who is affected
Layers, pullets, coloured chickens, free-range birds.
Most affected age
Growing and adult birds; rare in broilers sold young.
Signs to look for
- •Weight loss, slow growth despite eating.
- •Dull feathers, pale comb.
- •Drop in laying.
- •Soft droppings; sometimes worms visible in the droppings.
- •Uneven flock, birds more susceptible to other diseases.
How it spreads
- •Worm eggs passed in the droppings, picked up from litter or the outdoor run.
- •Insects, snails and earthworms eaten by the birds (some worms pass through them).
- •Outdoor run always in the same place, damp and muddy ground.
Not to be confused with
- •Coccidiosis
- •Lice and mites (pale comb)
- •Marek’s disease (weight loss)
- •Unsuitable feed
Prevention
- •Clean, dry litter, renewed for each flock.
- •Rotational outdoor run: move the birds to let the ground rest; no puddles.
- •Control litter beetles when the birds leave.
- •Have droppings checked by the vet for birds kept for a long time.
What to do if you suspect it
- •Call the vet in your area: they confirm (droppings, post-mortem) and decide on the product, the method and the withdrawal period before selling birds and eggs.
- •Do not use a neighbour’s product.
- •Clean the litter and move the outdoor run.
- •Record weight and laying to follow progress.
This sheet helps you recognise the disease and react quickly. It does not replace the veterinarian: only they can diagnose and prescribe a treatment. Worried about your flock? Write to us on WhatsApp at +225 05 44 83 27 79.