Cropworms

The nematode worms Capillaria spp and Gongylonema ingluvicola infect the mucosa of the crop and oesophagous of poultry and game birds. Some have beetle or earthworms as intermediate hosts.

Signs

• Anaemia.
• Emaciation.

Post-mortem lesions

• Inflammation and thickening of mucosa of crop and oesophagus.
• White convoluted tracks in the mucosa.

Diagnosis

Microscopic examination of mucosal scraping.

Treatment

Levamisole, Coumaphos.

Prevention

Effective cleaning of housing. Avoidance of access to intermediate hosts. Routine worming.