In cooler weather, this may take longer. The eggs are very resistant to environmental conditions and will remain for long periods. The cecal worm can be removed by treatment with piperazine compounds. Since the worm itself produces no observable damage and the eggs live for long periods, it is advisable and necessary to keep chickens and turkeys separated to prevent spread of infectious enterohepatitis. Tapeworms Tapeworms or cestodes are flattened, ribbon-shaped worms composed of numerous segments or divisions.
Tapeworms vary in size from very small to several inches in length.
The head or anterior end is much smaller than the rest of the body. Since tapeworms may be very small, careful examination often is necessary to find them. A portion of the intestine may be opened and placed in water to assist in finding the tapeworms. The pathology or damage tapeworms produce in poultry is controversial. In young birds, heavy infections result in reduced efficiency and slower growth.