Prevalence, treatment and prevention of ascariasis in turkeys

Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice

Ensuring high productivity and maintaining the health of poultry flocks is a major priority in modern poultry farming. Among the key challenges are infectious and parasitic diseases, which can severely affect growth rates and production efficiency. In recent years, the trend toward semi-intensive and free-range systems has increased the risk of parasitic infections, particularly helminthiases. Turkeys are considered highly susceptible to such infections, with ascaridiosis, caused by Ascaridia galli , being among the most common and economically significant helminth infections [11].

Ascaridia galli primarily inhabits the small intestine of birds, where it interferes with digestion and nutrient absorption, produces toxins, and weakens the immune system. The infection is especially prevalent in young birds, often leading to reduced weight gain, poor feed conversion, decreased egg production, and, in severe cases, death [1, 5].

Research and veterinary experience have shown that timely diagnosis, proper anthelmintic treatment, and regular preventive measures significantly reduce the impact of ascaridiosis on poultry operations. Therefore, studying the biology, transmission, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention of ascaridiosis in turkeys remains an urgent and relevant issue in modern veterinary practice. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ascaridiosis in turkeys and highlight effective control strategies to mitigate its negative effects on poultry health and productivity.

Ascaridiosis in turkeys is caused by the nematode Ascaridia galli , which parasitizes mainly in the small intestine. Female worms can lay over 100,000 eggs daily. The eggs are excreted in feces and become infective in 10–14 days under warm and moist environmental conditions. Birds get infected by ingesting contaminated feed, water, or soil [2, 10]. Adult worms are white, roundshaped, and 5–12 cm in length. They attach to the intestinal wall, disrupting digestion and nutrient absorption, releasing toxins, and weakening the immune system [2].

Epidemiology . Ascaridiasis is a widespread parasitic disease among turkeys, primarily caused by the nematode Ascaridia galli. This parasite resides in the small intestine and is transmitted mainly via the oral-fecal route. Turkeys become infected through the ingestion of contaminated feed, water, or soil containing infective eggs [4, 6, 8].

Epidemiological chain: source – infected or carrier birds; mode of transmission – oral ingestion (fecal-oral route); environmental development – eggs mature in the soil; new infections – healthy birds come into contact with contaminated environments.

Epidemiological characteristics: infection is more prevalent in farms with poor sanitary and hygienic conditions; the parasite's eggs can survive for long periods in moist soil; under optimal environmental conditions (25–30°C and high humidity), the eggs become infective within 2–3 weeks; the eggs are highly resistant to external conditions and many disinfectants; young turkeys are more susceptible to the disease, and mortality rates are higher in this age group [9].

and identify the eggs; b) Post-mortem (necropsy) examination: observation of adult worms in the small intestine of dead or slaughtered birds; worms are long, white, and may be present in large numbers, sometimes blocking the intestinal lumen [3].

Coprological analysis is the most reliable method for confirming the diagnosis, since clinical signs alone can resemble other intestinal diseases.

Accurate Diagnosis. Identification of the specific helminth species involved (e.g., Ascaridia, Heterakis, Capillaria, etc.).

Administration of Anthelmintic Drugs. Effective medications include: Albendazole – 10–15 mg/kg body weight (for 3–5 days), Fenbendazole – 20 mg/kg (for 1–5 days), Levamisole – 30 mg/kg, Piperazine citrate – 100-200 mg/kg These drugs are usually administered via drinking water or mixed with feed [7].

Supportive Care Post-Treatment. Vitamin and mineral supplementation, especially vitamins A and B complex, probiotics to restore gut flora.

Environmental Sanitation. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses. Replacement of litter. Daily removal of feces. Regular washing of feeders and waterers [9].

Re-treatment. The treatment should be repeated after 10–14 days to eliminate any newly developed larvae from eggs that survived the first round. For best results, the entire flock should be treated simultaneously, and preventive biosecurity measures must be maintained consistently.

Conclusion

Ascaridiosis in turkeys remains a significant biological and economic concern for modern poultry farms. The disease not only reduces productivity but also compromises overall health, weakens immunity, and increases vulnerability to secondary infections. The damage caused by Ascaridia galli is particularly severe in young and immunocompromised birds.

Research and field observations confirm that effective control of ascaridiosis requires an integrated approach. Early diagnosis, the application of reliable laboratory methods, and the correct use of anthelmintic drugs—such as albendazole, fenbendazole, and levamisole—are essential components of successful treatment. Proper dosing and repeated administration help to eliminate both mature and developing parasite stages.

However, lasting success is only possible through regular and strategic preventive measures. These include maintaining hygiene, providing clean feed and water, regular disinfection of living areas, quarantining new birds, and performing deworming at intervals of 3–4 months. Such measures also reduce the risk of other parasitic and infectious diseases.

In conclusion, professional veterinary oversight and continuous education of poultry keepers play a critical role in minimizing the negative impact of ascaridiosis. The application of sciencebased treatment and prevention protocols ensures healthier flocks and improved productivity in turkey farming.