Click on the image above to download a complete copy of this publication in PDF format. Download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Kansas also is a major producer of game birds used for restocking programs across the state. Kansas State University often receives calls from producers who describe symptoms of their birds that may be related to a disease known as Histomoniasis or Blackhead. Although many of the symptoms described by producers are common to a number of diseases, it is likely that a large number of these flocks are indeed infected with Blackhead.
Turkeys seem to be most susceptible to Blackhead.
In fact, Blackhead may be the most serious poultry disease confronting the small turkey producer. However, chukkar partridge also are susceptible as well as pheasants, quail and other game birds. It is not unusual for many producers to note the first observation to be an unusually high degree of mortality. Mortality has been reported to reach up to 70 percent in some flocks. Early signs of this disease may include drowsiness, drooping of the head and wings, walking with an unusual gait, soiled vent feathers due to diarrhea and bright yellow feces resulting from the infection of the liver.