Parasite Control Programme For Birds & Poultry
Back yard poultry are particularly at risk of parasite infection and there are only two wormers licensed to treat internal parasites in poultry. We’re not trying to eradicate parasites – this is impossible and will only serve to speed up the development of resistance – rather to manage them at an acceptable level before they cause a physical health issue.
Using A Worm Egg Count
Resistance to wormers is also growing so in order to preserve their effectiveness we need to test first and only treat when the results indicate it’s necessary using worm egg counts.
You can test individuals of concern or a composite sample in a flock, one per 5 birds. A single worm egg count is a useful snapshot, so conduct them routinely every 12 weeks to monitor levels of egg shedding. Use a reduction test to monitor wormer efficacy 10-14 days after treatment and quarantine & test new birds coming into a flock.
Breaking the lifecycle mechanically
Worm eggs are laid in dung, so muck out as often as possible and keeping the run clean before the eggs have a chance to hatch will help break the lifecycle mechanically, without having to rely on chemicals.
Disinfectant in and around the hen house helps to kill eggs in the environment. Also ensure the coop is well ventilated and keep the bedding as dry as possible to reduce intermediate hosts that can spread parasites.
Worm eggs and larvae dry out quickly during dry weather and they are also destroyed by UV light from sunlight so keep grass short and rotate pasture to help reduce the build-up of worms.
Disinfectant in and around the hen house helps to kill eggs in the environment. Also ensure the coop is well ventilated and keep the bedding as dry as possible to reduce intermediate hosts that can spread parasites.
Worm eggs and larvae dry out quickly during dry weather and they are also destroyed by UV light from sunlight so keep grass short and rotate pasture to help reduce the build-up of worms.