Gapeworm

Gapeworms

Gapeworm (Syngamus trachea) is a parasitic nematode worm that infects the respiratory tracts of birds, particularly poultry and wild birds. The infection caused by gapeworms is known as gapes, due to the characteristic gaping behavior of infected birds as they struggle to breathe.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the gapeworm involves both direct and indirect transmission. Adult gapeworms reside in the trachea of the host bird, where they lay eggs. These eggs are coughed up, swallowed, and then excreted in the feces. The eggs hatch into larvae in the environment, which can then be ingested by a new host directly or through intermediate hosts such as earthworms, snails, or insects.

Symptoms

Birds infected with gapeworms exhibit several symptoms, including:

• Gaping or open-mouth breathing
• Head shaking
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy

Severe infections can lead to suffocation and death if not treated promptly.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gapeworm infection is typically based on clinical signs and confirmed by identifying the worms or their eggs in the trachea or feces of the bird. A veterinarian may perform a tracheal swab or fecal examination to detect the presence of gapeworm eggs.

Treatment

Treatment for gapeworm infection usually involves the administration of anthelmintic medications, such as fenbendazole or ivermectin. It is important to follow the veterinarian's instructions and ensure the entire flock is treated to prevent reinfection.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Maintaining good hygiene and sanitation in bird enclosures
• Regularly deworming birds
• Reducing exposure to intermediate hosts like earthworms and insects
• Quarantining new birds before introducing them to the flock

Related Pages

• Nematode
• Poultry diseases
• Anthelmintic
• Veterinary medicine