Cestodosis in battery-housed laying hens

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Poultry Science
• Entomology

Background:

• Cestodosis, a tapeworm infection, significantly impacts laying hen productivity, especially during peak production periods.
• Laying hens can ingest Musca domestica (houseflies), which serve as intermediate hosts for the tapeworm Choanotaenia infundibulum.
• Effective control of cestodosis is crucial for maintaining poultry farm economic viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate methods for controlling cestodosis in battery-housed laying hens.
• To evaluate the efficacy of fly control measures and anthelmintic treatments on egg production.
• To assess the impact of insect growth regulators on fly populations as a means of disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an aerosol insecticide to reduce Musca domestica populations, the intermediate host.
• Administered "Lintex" in the feed to induce cestode discharge and assess its impact.
• Employed an insect growth regulator in the feed to investigate its effectiveness in controlling fly breeding.

Main Results:

• Fly control measures enabled hens to consume large numbers of Musca domestica.
• "Lintex" treatment resulted in significant cestode expulsion and a marked improvement in egg production.
• Insect growth regulators demonstrated potential in managing fly populations, thereby reducing disease transmission.

Conclusions:

• Integrated pest and parasite management strategies are effective against cestodosis in laying hens.
• Reducing the intermediate host population and direct anthelmintic treatment can restore egg production.
• Insect growth regulators offer a promising approach for sustainable fly control in poultry environments.