Ascarida spp - birds

Question 1

What are the species of Ascarida?

Answer 1

Ascarida galli, A. columbae, A. dissimilis

These species infect various birds including chickens, turkeys, and pigeons.

Question 2

What is the definitive host (FH) for Ascaridia species?

Answer 2

Chicken, turkey, pigeon, pheasant, peacock

These birds serve as the primary hosts for Ascaridia species.

Question 3

What is the paratenic host (PH) for Ascaridia species?

Answer 3

Earthworm

Earthworms can carry the larvae and facilitate transmission.

Question 4

Describe the eggs of Ascaridia.

Answer 4

Medium, oval, 3 thick shells, unembryonated (protoplasmic cell), dark grey

The eggs are characteristic for identification in diagnostic processes.

Question 5

What is the life cycle of Ascarida?

Answer 5

Unembryonated eggs passed with faeces → infective L3 develop inside egg in environment over 12 degrees → FH ingest egg / PH → L3 released in gut → histotropic phase in mucosa of SI (1-7 weeks) → return to gut lumen → mature into adult

PP: 29-50 days

The life cycle is completed without migration of larvae.

Question 6

How long can infective L3 develop inside the egg in the environment?

Answer 6

1 year or longer

This longevity helps in the persistence of the infection in the environment.

Question 7

What is the prepatent period (PP) for Ascaridia?

Answer 7

29-50 days

This is the time from infection to the detection of eggs in faeces.

Question 8

What are the main pathogenesis effects of Ascarida infection?

Answer 8

Epithelial and tissue damage, enteritis, obstruction of the intestine

young animals are predominantly affected: decreased food intake and reduced weigth gain. Anemia

Question 9

Which animals are predominantly affected by Ascaridia?

Answer 9

Young animals

Young birds experience decreased food intake and reduced weight gain due to infection.

Question 10

List the treatments available for Ascaridia infection.

Answer 10

• Flubendazole - adult and larvae
• Piperazine - adult stage only
• Levamizole - mainly adults

These anthelmintics are used to treat infections in birds.

Question 11

What are some control measures for Ascaridia?

Answer 11

• Deworming program
• Replace litter regularly & Keep it dry
• Never feed birds directly on litter
• Good hygiene

These practices help in reducing the risk of infection.

Question 12

What methods are used for the diagnosis of Ascaridia?

Answer 12

• Flotation method (Kozak-Magra)
• Necropsy

These methods help in identifying the presence of Ascaridia in birds.

Question 13

Where is Ascaridia found geographically?

Answer 13

Worldwide

Ascaridia species are prevalent across various regions globally.

Question 14

True or False: Ascaridia undergoes migration after ingestion.

Answer 14

False

The infection process does not involve migration of larvae.