Also known as Cestodes, Tape worm
Raillietina occurs worldwide in chickens of all ages.
- Causes of Raillietina >
- Effects of Raillietina >
- Diagnosis of Raillietina >
- Treatment & Control of Raillietina >
Causes of Raillietina
Fifty percent of the intestinal tracts of chickens may contain tape worms (cestodes) if they are reared on range or in backyard flocks. In contrast, birds confined within poultry houses seldom become infected. Tape Worm infestations are now considered rare in intensive poultry-rearing regions. Over 1400 species of tape worm have been identified in wild and domestic birds. Of these, three families are 10 genera, including species Raillietina affect poultry.
Tape Worms are Flattened, ribbon-shaped, usually segmented worms. Millions of eggs may be required to complete the complicated two-or three-hose hose life cycle. The worms are characterised by complete absence of a digestive tract and obtain their nourishment by absorption from the gut contents of the host.
Mode of transmission
Birds become infected by eating an intermediate host, which provided a trans larval stage of the tape worm to the intestine of the definitive host. The intermediate host may be an insect, crustacean, earth worm, slug, snail or leech depending upon the species of tape worm. Some larger tape worms may appear to completely block the intestine of infected birds. Different species vary considerably in pathogenicity so as to species identification is desired.
Effects of Raillietina
Some large tape worms may appear to completely block the intestine of infected birds. Different species vary considerably in pathogenicity so as to species identification is desired.
Tape Worms are Flattened, ribbon-shaped, usually segmented worms. Millions of eggs may be required to complete complicate the two-or three-hose hose life cycle. The worms are characterised by complete absence of a digestive tract and obtain their nourishment by absorption from the gut contents of the host.
Diagnosis of Raillietina
Most species of worm appear during post mortem examination of the digestive tract. Acute identification is necessary for effective control. A portion of the worm should be removed and viewed under a microscope for detailed identification.
Tape Worms are Flattened, ribbon-shaped, usually segmented worms. The worms are characterised by complete absence of a digestive tract.
Most cestodes are usually host specific for a single or a few Closely related birds. Identification of the genus and species may provide a clue to the probable intermediate host.
Treatment & Control of Raillietina
Most cestodes are usually host specific for a single or a few Closely related birds. Identification of the genus and species may provide a clue to the probable intermediate host. The diagnositician may then be Able to suggest practical control measures.
Completion of a two-host life cycle depends upon a unique set of ecologic conditions. Thus minor changes in flock management may cause a break in the life cycle and affect a useful control measure.
Antihelminthic drugs are not recommended as they are only a short-term remedy. The intermediate hosts should be identified and controlled.
