PARASITIC AND FUNGAL DISEASES OF POULTRY
Manisha Meena, Sarjna Meena, Sachin Kumar meena, Ishita srivastava
MVSc Scholar, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (PGIVER), Jaipur
INTRODUCTION
Parasitic and fungal diseases are among the most important health problems of poultry. They affect growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, egg production and immunity, leading to severe economic losses. In veterinary pathology, these diseases are significant because they produce characteristic lesions in various organs which help in diagnosis. This article highlights the major parasitic and fungal diseases of poultry with emphasis on etiology, age group, lesions, symptoms, prevention and vaccination.
PARASITIC DISEASES
- COCCIDIOSIS
Etiology: Caused by protozoa of genus Eimeria (E. tenella, E. necatrix, E, acervulina, E. maxima, E. brunetti).
Age group: Mostly 3-8 weeks of age, especially broilers.
Lesions: Hemorrhagic ceca (E. tenella), thickened intestinal wall, white plaques or petechial hemorrhages in intestine.
Symptoms: Bloody or watery diarrhea, depression, ruffled feathers, reduced growth and high mortality.
Prevention and vaccination: Good litter management, anticoccidial drugs in feed and live attenuated coccoidial vaccines.
- HISTOMONIASIS (BLACKHEAD)
Etiology: Histomonas meleagridis.
Age group: Turkeys are highly susceptible; chickens act as carriers.
Lesions: Circular yellow necrotic lesions in liver, ulceration and thickening of ceca.
Symptoms: Sulphur-colored droppings, drooping wings, poor growth and high mortality.
Prevention and vaccination: Control of Heterakis worms, sanitation, no effective vaccine available.
- HELMINTH INFECTIONS
Etiology: Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria species.
Age group: Mostly young and growing birds.
Lesions: Catarrhal enteritis, intestinal blockage, thickened cecal wall.
Symptoms: Weight loss, diarrhea, reduced egg production.
Prevention and vaccination: Regular deworming, clean litter, no vaccines available.
- ECTOPARASITES
Etiology: Lice, mites and ticks.
Age group: All ages.
Lesions: Skin irritation, anemia, feather damage.
Symptoms: Restlessness, reduced egg production.
Prevention and vaccination: Spraying or dusting with insecticides, hygiene.
FUNGAL DISEASES
- ASPERGILLOSIS
Etiology: Aspergillus fumigatus
Age group: Chicks and poults.
Lesions: White nodules in lungs and air sacs.
Symptoms: Gasping, respiratory distress, high chick mortality.
Prevention and vaccination: Dry litter, good ventilation, no vaccine.
- CANDIDIASIS
Etiology: Candida albicans.
Age group: Young birds.
Lesions: White plaques in crop and esophagus.
Symptoms: Poor growth, regurgitation.
Prevention: Avaid prolonged antibiotic use, hygiene.
- MYCOTOXICOSIS
Etiology: Aflatoxins, ochratoxins.
Age group: All ages.
Lesions: Enlarged liver, hemorrhages.
Symptoms: Reduced growth, immunosuppression.
Prevention: Use toxin-free feed, proper storage.
Prevention and Control Strategies
Maintain clean, dry litter and good ventilation.
Avoid mouldy feed and ensure proper storage.
Follow strict hatchery hygiene to reduce fungal load.
Routine deworming and anticoccidial rotation.
Practice strong biosecurity: footbaths, controlled visitor access, clean equipment.
Vaccination for coccidiosis where applicable.
Regular cleaning of drinkers, feeders, and surroundings
CONCLUSION
Proper management, hygiene, chemoprophylaxis and vaccination are essential to control parasitic and fungal diseases in poultry.
