Blackhead disease, also called histomoniasis, is a sickness caused by a tiny parasite called Histomonas meleagridis. This parasite can make birds like turkeys, chickens, partridges, peacocks, pheasants, and quail very sick.
The disease is mostly passed on when birds eat tiny eggs from a specific kind of worm or when they eat earthworms that have swallowed those eggs. These eggs can stay in the ground for a few years and still make birds sick.
Turkeys are especially likely to get sick from this disease, and it can be very serious—sometimes all of the infected turkeys can die. Chickens can also get sick, but some types of chickens might not get as sick as others.
The sickness starts when the parasite enters the bird's body, multiplies, and attacks the liver. Birds with this disease might have unusual, sulfur-colored droppings, and they might look sleepy, have no appetite, or stay close together looking sick.
Blackhead disease causes damage to the bird's ceca, a part of the digestive system and liver. The ceca walls get thicker, and there could be bleeding inside. The parasite can even cause holes in the ceca, leading to serious problems inside the bird's body.
Overall, histomoniasis is a dangerous illness for certain kinds of birds, especially turkeys, and can cause severe health issues that can be deadly.
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