Case Series of Histomoniasis in BV 380 Layer Flock
Dimpi Choudhury *
Zonal Livestock Research Station, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Mandira, Assam, India.
Dipankar Bharali
Zonal Livestock Research Station, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Mandira, Assam, India.
Prasanta Boro
Zonal Livestock Research Station, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Mandira, Assam, India.
Juripriya Brahma
Zonal Livestock Research Station, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Mandira, Assam, India.
Gunajit Das
Zonal Livestock Research Station, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Mandira, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Histomoniasis, commonly known as blackhead disease, is a protozoan parasitic disease caused by Histomonas meleagridis in poultry. Although primarily the disease mostly occur in severe form in turkeys, but outbreaks in layer chickens can also cause significant economic losses due to mortality, reduction in egg production and overall poor flock performance. This case study describes the disease occurrence, clinical case presentation, diagnosis protocols and management of histomoniasis in a flock of BV 380 commercial layer birds reared under intensive cage system. The clinical signs, gross pathology, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes with emphasis on preventive and control measures suitable for layer poultry farms are discussed in the present report.
Keywords: Histomoniasis, blackhead disease, layer, necrosis, biosecurity