Poultry farming is an essential part of the agricultural industry, but parasitic diseases like capillariasis (hairworm infestation) pose a severe threat to the health and productivity of birds. Capillariasis is caused by different species of Capillaria worms, which primarily affect the digestive and respiratory systems of chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry.
When left untreated, capillariasis can lead to severe malnutrition, stunted growth, poor egg production, and even death in infected birds. This makes early detection, proper management, and effective treatment essential for farmers who want to maintain a healthy flock.
What is Capillariasis in Poultry?
Capillariasis is a parasitic disease caused by hairworms (Capillaria spp.), which are thin, thread-like roundworms that infect the intestines, crop, and esophagus of poultry.
Common Capillaria Species in Poultry:
🔹 Capillaria obsignata – Infects the small intestine, causing severe weight loss and diarrhea.
🔹 Capillaria contorta – Affects the crop and esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing and starvation.
🔹 Capillaria annulata – Attacks the crop and upper digestive tract, impairing digestion and causing weakness.
The severity of the disease depends on the species of Capillaria, the worm load, and the bird’s immune system. Heavy infestations can lead to intestinal damage, anemia, and increased mortality.
How Does Capillariasis Spread? (Transmission Cycle)
Capillariasis spreads through ingestion of infective eggs present in:
✔️ Contaminated feed and water – Birds ingest worm eggs when pecking at dirty food or drinking contaminated water.
✔️ Feces and litter – Infected birds shed worm eggs in their droppings, contaminating the environment.
✔️ Soil and bedding material – Worm eggs remain in the soil for long periods, especially in free-range farms.
✔️ Intermediate hosts (Earthworms and Insects) – Some Capillaria species use earthworms as carriers. When birds eat infected earthworms, they become infected.
Infected birds act as carriers, spreading the disease to healthy birds through direct contact, shared water sources, and contaminated housing conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Capillariasis in Poultry
Capillariasis symptoms vary depending on the site of infection and the severity of the worm burden.
Early Symptoms (Mild Infection):
✅ Reduced appetite (birds peck at food but eat less)
✅ Slow weight gain or gradual weight loss
✅ Slight drop in egg production
✅ Weakness and lethargy
✅ Rough or unkempt feathers
Moderate to Severe Symptoms:
🚨 Severe weight loss and emaciation
🚨 Diarrhea with mucus or blood (intestinal infection)
🚨 Swollen crop and difficulty swallowing (crop infection)
🚨 Increased thirst due to dehydration
🚨 Pale combs and wattles (sign of anemia)
🚨 Ruffled feathers and hunched posture
🚨 Depressed and inactive behavior
In advanced cases, birds may suffer from intestinal blockages, dehydration, and secondary infections that weaken the immune system.
🐥 Severe infestations can lead to death, especially in young or immunocompromised birds.
Diagnosing Capillariasis in Poultry
A veterinary examination is essential to confirm capillariasis, as its symptoms resemble other poultry diseases like coccidiosis and bacterial enteritis.
🔬 Fecal Examination – Microscopic analysis of droppings to detect Capillaria eggs.
🔬 Crop and Intestinal Examination – Checking for worms inside the crop, esophagus, and intestines during necropsy.
🔬 Swab Test – Identifying worm presence by swabbing the esophagus or crop lining.
🚨 Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe complications and flock-wide infestations.
Preventing Capillariasis in Poultry
Prevention is the best strategy to protect poultry from capillariasis and other parasitic diseases. Farmers should implement strict biosecurity, hygiene, and worm control measures.
1. Maintain a Clean Environment
✔️ Clean and disinfect poultry housing regularly.
✔️ Remove wet litter and droppings daily to prevent egg contamination.
✔️ Keep feeders and drinkers elevated to avoid fecal contamination.
2. Implement a Deworming Program
✔️ Use anthelmintic medications every 3–6 months to control worm burdens.
✔️ Rotate dewormers to prevent resistance.
3. Manage Outdoor Areas and Intermediate Hosts
✔️ Avoid free-range exposure to earthworms, beetles, and insects that carry Capillaria larvae.
✔️ Keep outdoor runs dry to reduce worm egg survival in the soil.
4. Provide Balanced Nutrition
✔️ Feed high-quality poultry feed rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
✔️ Add natural dewormers like pumpkin seeds, garlic, and diatomaceous earth to support gut health.
5. Quarantine New Birds
✔️ Isolate new birds for 2-3 weeks before introducing them to the flock.
✔️ Regularly inspect birds for signs of infection.
Treating Capillariasis in Poultry
If birds are diagnosed with capillariasis, immediate treatment is necessary to control the worm burden and prevent further damage.
1. Deworming Medications (Anthelmintics)
💊 Fenbendazole (Safe-Guard) – Effective against Capillaria species.
💊 Levamisole – Kills both adult worms and larvae.
💊 Albendazole – Used in severe cases, but must be given in accurate doses.
🚨 Consult a veterinarian before administering dewormers to determine the correct dosage.
2. Supportive Care for Infected Birds
✔️ Provide electrolytes and multivitamins to boost immunity.
✔️ Offer easily digestible, high-protein feed to aid recovery.
✔️ Ensure clean drinking water is always available.
3. Natural Remedies (Complementary Care)
🌱 Garlic extract – Has natural antiparasitic properties.
🌱 Apple cider vinegar – Helps maintain gut health.
🌱 Diatomaceous earth – A natural dewormer that can be mixed into feed.
🔹 While natural treatments can help, they should be used alongside veterinary treatment in severe cases.
Conclusion
Capillariasis is a serious parasitic disease that can lead to malnutrition, poor egg production, and high mortality in poultry. Prevention through good hygiene, deworming, and proper nutrition is the best approach to protecting your flock.
By implementing early detection, effective treatment, and biosecurity measures, poultry farmers can ensure their birds remain healthy and productive.