Common parasites in poultry are mites, lice, ticks, worms, and protozoa. Two common mites are the Northern fowl mite and the red mite. The northern mite is commonly found around the vent, tail and breast and appear as small reddish-brown flecks. Red mites feed only at night making daytime observations difficult. Look at the cracks and seams around bedding areas. They appear like dust or salt and pepper like deposits. They cause feather loss, irritation, and anemia.

Several types of lice live on poultry and are generally found at the base of feathers.Growth and egg production can be affected.

Fowl ticks are a group of soft ticks.Sometimes missed during observation.They can cause anemia or paralysis and be vectors of other problems. Spray mites, lice and ticks with an insecticide listed below.

Note: Apply 1 gallon per 100-150 square feet to walls, ceilings, cracks, and crevices.

Insecticide Use Precautions

• Permethrin: Apply 1 gallon of spray solution per 100 birds. Do not apply more than every 2 weeks.
• Rabon: For lice and mites, apply 1 gallon of spray solution per 100 birds. Do not reapply within 14 days.
• Ravap: Apply 1 gallon of spray solution per 100 birds. Do not reapply within 14 days.

Roundworms and tapeworms are the most common internal parasites of poultry and generally the results of soil contamination and poor management. A fecal exam should be performed to assess the level of infection and to also monitor treatment.Fenbendazole is the only product that is currently approved for treatment and control of roundworms in chickens in the United States. Check with your local veterinarian and the product label before treatment to make sure you are using products labeled for use in poultry.

Common Diseases in poultry flocks are Fowl Pox, Infectious Bronchitis, Marek’s Disease, Newcastle Disease, and Coccidiosis.

Fowl Pox has a wet or dry form. Dry will be in unfeathered areas and will have wart-like lesions healing in about two weeks. Wet form has lesions around the mouth and an eye discharge. No treatment but should go away in a few weeks. Consider quarantine of infected birds. Provide extra care for sick birds. There are vaccines available. Control mosquitoes in enclosure since they’re able to transmit the disease.

Infectious Bronchitis is like getting a cold and is contagious. Discharge from the bird’s eye and nostrils and labored breathing. Egg production drops and food and water consumption declines. Mostly wait it out. Give antibiotics to prevent other infections. There are preventative vaccinations. Control rodents.

Marek’s Disease typically affects 12-25-week-old chickens. Tumors, irregularly shaped pupils, blindness and partial paralysis are symptoms. It’s contagious and can be transmitted to other birds. Remove surviving birds since they are lifetime carriers. Vaccinations are available.

Newcastle Disease is a respiratory disease. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, murky eyes, reduction in egg laying. Twisting of neck and paralysis in legs and wings can be experienced. Antibiotics can be used to prevent other infections. Survivability is generally low. Vaccinations are available and practices good sanitation.

Coccidiosis infected birds have loose droppings, blooding or watery diarrhea, weight loss and ruffled feathers. There are six species of this parasite. Antibiotics or certain medications are helpful. Keep feeding areas, brooders, and coops clean and dry helps. Use medicated started feed or add probiotic supplements to unvaccinated chicks.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease with sudden high death rates. There is no approved vaccine. Good management and biosecurity are the only preventative. Contact your veterinarian to test for AI if suspected.

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Matt Lee, Interim LSU Vice President for Agriculture
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service

LSU College of Agriculture
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