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How to prevent certain parasitic diseases in hens

WELCOME TO A NEW #ASKTHEEXPERT COLUMN WITH MAURIZIO ARDUIN – RÈGIA EXPERIMENTAL STATION OF POULTRY FARMING!

Is it correct to add apple vinegar to water in drinkers?

Vinegar of any kind is intended to acidify the intestinal tract and prevent parasitic diseases such as verminosis and coccidiosis.

Verminosis is a very common form of parasite. Their danger is not only related to the direct damage caused by the parasite, but also to the fact that, by weakening the animals, they make them much more susceptible to other diseases.

Chickens are affected if they ingest the parasite’s eggs present in the environment and in intermediate hosts (earthworms, snails, flies, etc.).

On the other hand, coccidiosis is a particularly serious disease of the digestive system of chickens. Produced by protozoa (coccidia) of different species, it can affect both young birds (around two months old) and adults.

This parasitosis occurs in an acute form, especially after sudden changes in temperature and humidity caused by storms (spring-autumn).

Infection occurs only via the oral route. The parasite is ingested by the animal when it peck on the litter and soil. It then penetrates the intestinal mucosa where it reproduces and causes severe lesions.

Sick chickens excrete large numbers of parasite eggs (oocysts) in their faeces, which remain viable in the soil for long periods. If ingested by other chickens, they start a new cycle of infection.

However, vinegar should only be added to water for three days a month: one tablespoon per litre of water.

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