Worm Infestations
Ascaridia Columbae (Roundworms) This is mainly a parasite of Pigeons and Doves. The damage caused by Roundworms can be life threatening if not treated properly. While in the larva stage they consume most the the birds food and attack the gall duct, intestinal glands, intestinal lining, and the liver. At only 23 days a fully grown Roundworm can measure 4cm long by 1cm thick; lays eggs in the birds stools which can be ingested by other birds thus spreading on the Roundworms on to the other birds. There are no early signs or symptoms. This can only be detected early by a microscopic stool exam (with fresh stool samples not hard, dry stools). Signs and symptoms in mid stages are a gradual lose of weight and an increase in appetite. Signs and symptom in late stages are bowel obstruction, sudden death, foot paralysis, severe weight loss. If found a vermicide will be prescribed for your bird to destroy the infestation. You then should disinfect the cage, food bowl, perches, and anything else the bird comes in contact with using a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). If the bird is in a outdoor aviary with dirt flooring you also need to disinfect the ground with soda-lye or Natron in order to destroy all of the worms eggs. DO NOT replace the birds until the ground has completely dried.
Ascaridia Hermafrodita (Roundworms) This is mainly a parasite of Australian and South American Parakeets. The damage caused by Roundworms can be life threatening if not treated properly. While in the larva stage they consume most the the birds food and attack the gall duct, intestinal glands, intestinal lining, and the liver. At only 23 days a fully grown Roundworm can measure 4cm long by 1cm thick; lays eggs in the birds stools which can be ingested by other birds thus spreading on the Roundworms on to the other birds. There are no early signs or symptoms. This can only be detected early by a microscopic stool exam (with fresh stool samples not hard, dry stools). Signs and symptoms in mid stages are a gradual lose of weight and an increase in appetite. Signs and symptom in late stages are bowel obstruction, sudden death, foot paralysis, severe weight loss. If found a vermicide will be prescribed for your bird to destroy the infestation. You then should disinfect the cage, food bowl, perches, and anything else the bird comes in contact with using a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). If the bird is in a outdoor aviary with dirt flooring you also need to disinfect the ground with soda-lye or Natron in order to destroy all of the worms eggs. DO NOT replace the birds until the ground has completely dried.
Capillaria (Threadworms) This is a long threadlike intestinal parasite that effects most species of birds. This worm is picked up by ingesting it. Infected birds show weight loss, swallowing difficulties, and diarrhea. If found a vermicide will be prescribed for your bird to destroy the infestation. If found Piperazine, Levamisole or another similar medication may be prescribed for your bird to destroy the infestation. You then should disinfect the cage, food bowl, perches, and anything else the bird comes in contact with using a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). If the bird is in a outdoor aviary with dirt flooring you also need to disinfect the ground with soda-lye or Natron in order to destroy all of the worms eggs. DO NOT replace the birds until the ground has completely dried.
Syngamus (Gapeworms) This is a rare red Y shaped respiratory parasite that effects most species of birds. This worm is picked up in the birds stools, in the air by another coughing bird, earthworms, or snails. Then the worm attaches it self to the birds trachea (windpipe) This can be detected early by a microscopic stool exam (with fresh stool samples not hard, dry stools) or in larger birds by a tracheal culture. Signs are Coughing, labored breathing, and a outstretched neck to decrease respiratory effort. If found Thiabendazole or another similar medication may be prescribed for your bird to destroy the infestation. You then should disinfect the cage, food bowl, perches, and anything else the bird comes in contact with using a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). If the bird is in a outdoor aviary with dirt flooring you also need to disinfect the ground with soda-lye or Natron in order to destroy all of the worms eggs. DO NOT replace the birds until the ground has completely dried.
Taenia (Tapeworms) This parasite effects mostly African Gray Parrots. This worm is transmitted by the birds stools, flies, molluscs, beetles and other insects. They are then ingested and attach to the intestinal walls of the bird. Infested birds may or may not show signs of illness which are diarrhea and general weakness. If found Yomesan or another similar medication may be prescribed for your bird to destroy the infestation. You then should disinfect the cage, food bowl, perches, and anything else the bird comes in contact with using a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). If the bird is in a outdoor aviary with dirt flooring you also need to disinfect the ground with soda-lye or Natron in order to destroy all of the worms eggs. DO NOT replace the birds until the ground has completely dried. Also a non-toxic or non-chemical pest control should be put into place, i.e. glue pads, hanging glue strips, electric bug zappers etc. should be used. (be sure it is out of the birds reach).
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Updated on 07/26/03