Vol. 5, Issue 4, Part B (2020)

Author(s): AH Akand, KH Bulbul, D Hasin, Shamima Parbin, J Hussain and IU Sheikh

Abstract: Syngamus trachea is a parasitic nematode of thin, red worm, known as a gapeworm which lives in the trachea, and sometimes the bronchi or lungs of certain birds. They can affect chickens but are common in turkeys, waterfowl (ducks and geese) and game birds (pheasants etc.). The resulting disease, known as “gape” or “the gapes”, occurs when the worms clog and obstruct the airways. The worms are also known as “red worms” or “forked worms” due to their red color and the permanent procreative conjunction of males and females. Gapeworms are common in young, domesticated chickens and turkeys. Birds are infected with the parasite when they consume the eggs found in the faeces, or by consuming a transport host such as earthworms, snails or slugs. The drug ivermectin is often used to control gapeworm infection in birds.