CHAPTER XI 

 INTERNAL PARASITES 



Birds at times are infested by many different varieties of 

 worms. 



Among these common worms may be mentioned several 

 groups, as the tapeworms and round-worms of the intestinal 

 tract, and the round-worm of the trachea or windpipe, the gape 

 worm. In addition to these there is found more rarely the 

 flukes and the thorn-headed worms. 



If only a few intestinal parasites are present there may be 

 no perceptible harm noted in the infested bird. 



Death of any bird from the effects of internal parasites 

 should be looked upon with apprehension. 



Devastating epiornithics from intestinal parasitism are 

 recorded. 



ROUND-WORMS 



The most common internal parasites are the round-worms. 

 The round-worms are cjdindric in shape, tapering slightly to- 

 ward the head, and some varieties markedly at the posterior 

 third. They are white to pinkish white in color. There are 

 two distinct sexes, a male and female, the females being the 

 larger. 



Intestinal round-worms multiply by producing eggs which 

 pass out to the ground with the droppings. The eggs are 

 microscopic in size and oval in shape. 



Transmission. — Water and food become soiled with the 

 excreta laden with the eggs, and thus other birds consuming 

 contaminated food become infested. 



It is advisable in killing birds for food purposes to examine 

 the intestinal content for worms. The intestine is easily 

 opened by using a sharp, slender-pointed knife. If worms be 

 found, the flock should be medicated in an effort to rid the 

 birds of the parasites. 



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