398
Important Helminth Parasites of Poultry
are paretic symptoms, neurolymphomatosis and other causes must be ex-
cluded. Kamala has been found to give good results when administered in
doses of 1 gm. for a mature fowl and 2 gm. for turkeys. It may be
given in the form of a pill, in a capsule or bread. Fasting overnight,
though not necessary, is advisable ; but no purgative is necessary, as the drug
itself has a purgative action. An overdose of this drug, which is quite toxic,
may do more harm than good and hence it is advisable to determine the correct
dose, in proportion to the size and condition of the bird, by treating a few of the
birds, before undertaking a wholesale treatment of the flock. Treatment
with this drug is dangerous if the birds are affected with roup or other debilitat-
ing condition. Though often practised, treatment of a whole flock with this
drug by admixture with food is less effective than individual treatment.
Though several remedies have been recommended for the removal of tape-
worms in poultry, the two drugs in common use are Kamala and Iodine Vermi-
cide. Experimental evidence adduced in recent years does not justify the
use of the former drug to the same extent as of the latter. Kamala has a ver-
mifugal action. It does not remove scolices and is comparatively less effective
in removing strobilae and may be very harmful in certain cases, especially to
birds in poor condition. The Iodine Vermicide and Iodine Suspensoid (Merck)
are colloidal iodine preparations of the hydrosol type. In recent years, it has
been conclusively proved that colloidal iodine possesses a vermicidal action
and removes strobilae in a surprisingly short time. In the removal of strobilae
it has been found to be a hundred per cent effective. One pound of Iodine
Vermicide (Merck) is diluted with water to make one gallon. One ounce of
this is introduced into the gizzard of each fowl by means of a special bulb
syringe fitted with a long slender nozzle. Its introduction into the gizzard,
which retains the minutest quantity of fluid, ensures its passage directly
into the intestines, so as to reach the infected region within a few minutes
and thus increases the effectiveness of the treatment. For the treatment of
birds in poor condition, Iodine Vermicide is safer than Kamala. It is not
only harmless, but has a stimulating effect also on the treated birds, as
evinced, usually in 48 hours, by increased appetite and activity. Its use
is further justified on the basis that the life-cycle of the parasite is interrupted
with the consequent prevention of the spread of infection ; for it not only
removes the strobilae but also kills the contained larvæ (Onchophores) and
thus destroys a large number of potential tapeworms.
Tapeworms penetrate deep into the crypts of the mucosa, even down to
the muscularis mucosae, hence their heads (scolices) are not usually acted upon
by these drugs, which cannot reach them. Alkaline treatment by giving
sodium-bicarbonate in drinking water, previous to the administration of
the taeniacide, in order to remove the mucus coating of the intestine, does not
always help the removal of the scolices. In heavy infestations, sometimes the
biological saturation point is reached and the development of some of the
worms is retarded or completely checked. These worms develop into adults
in one or two weeks, following treatment. It is, therefore, advisable to