what is gapeworm in chickens
A gapeworm (Syngamus trachea), also known as a red worm and forked worm, is a parasitic nematode worm infecting the tracheas of certain birds.The resulting disease, known as gape or the gapes, occurs when the worms clog and obstruct the airway.hen birds consume the eggs found in the feces of an intermediate host such as earthworms, snails (Planorbarius corneus, Bithynia tentaculata and others), or slugs, they become infected with the parasite. The drug Ivermectin is often used to control gapeworm infection in birds.
Gapeworm is common in pheasants but also affects chickens, guinea fowl and turkeys. Gapeworms can cause considerable losses in pheasants and turkeys.Gasping for breath or âgapingâ as it is known is the biggest sign of gape worm.Shaking of the head and neck stretching are also common.apeworm lay eggs that get coughed up onto the ground or swallowed and passed out in the faeces. Flubenvet wormer is licensed for treating chickens with gapeworm. Other Names: Gapes, Red worms, Forked worms, Y worms or spelt with a gap Gape Worm.