How to detect Blackhead?

[rainnotebook]

I have emailed two different universities asking them if they knew anything. I hope they'll know something. I even called back my local guy and explained that I was asking about blackHead not blackLeg. So maybe I'll get a phone call from him too.

That link did work... thanks. I'll sit down and read it thoroughly after work today.

Our climate is considered arid, but it depends on who you ask.

Thank you ALL for your help!

 

[rainnotebook]

I already got two emails back from the professors, one guy copied and pasted stuff for me to read (looked like the same stuff I've been reading online) and the other guy forwarded my question to another professor. I've never asked anyone like that a question and I'm surprised and impressed with their prompt kind answer!

 

[OmaBird]

Quote:
LOL. I live in one of those miss understood climates too. Most people think I should be hot. I have some of the coldest winters I have ever lived in. We get alot of snow. My summer are never over 100 while people inland are having losses in their poultry do to the high heat.

I think what I was suprised to read in the link is the there is several theorys of what causes blackhead. Sounds like they really don't know for sure.

 

[rainnotebook]

Quote:
Yea we get SOME snow here but its pretty dry. Its mostly dry except for the monsoon rains, which come July we'll get rain about every other day. So its hard to say what we are officially considered.

I know... I saw that there are several theories. I don't know if I should just try to intermingle them and see what happens or better be safe then sorry and just separate them. Ultimately I want to them to share spaces but not sure if it is a good idea. Hopefully I'll get an email soon...

 

[ivan3]

It is a protozoal disease. It is not particularly common (areas where intensive commercial poultry operations have been operating for decades, in humid climates seem to be areas to be watchful of).

The first link is to the USGS Field Manual (big download and, since Blackhead only covers a half a page in chap. 35, further perusal might make one more nervous - but it is good to know what there is to know):

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/field_manual/

The second is link to thread with more specific info on treatment and spread. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=318267&p=3 (post 26).

We maintain separate runs for turks and chooks, but the primary concern is the possibility of inadvertant injury to the chooks when the toms spar.

 

[rainnotebook]

In case anyone is interested... this is what the professor sent me back.

The disease of blackhead in turkeys is caused by a protozoa (Histomonas meleagridis) that is transmitted by an intestinal parasite (nematode) (Heterakis gallinarum) this parasite is found in a large percentage of chickens. This parasite is passed by the chicken and into the soil. So it is not the soil that can cause blackhead in turkeys but the intestinal parasite passed by the chicken into the soil. The protozoa is somewhat protected by the nematode in the soil so they can remain viable for a long time.
Because healthy chickens often carry the intestinal parasite the practice of ranging chickens and turkeys should be avoided, and as it can survive in the soil for some time turkeys should not be put on ground contaminated by chickens.

So I guess that answers my question.

 

[ivan3]

Earthworms and other soil invertebrates can become part of the parasite’s life cycle when they feed on fecal-contaminated soil that contains cecal worm eggs infected with histomonads. The cecal worm larvae and histomonads are stored in the body of the earthworm and are transmitted to birds when worms are fed upon. However, earthworms are not required for the life cycle; cecal worm larvae that contain histomonads may be ingested by birds when they feed in a contaminated environment. Most, if not all, gallinaceous birds are susceptible hosts. Turkey, grouse, chicken, and partridge develop severe disease and suffer high mortality rates that can exceed 75 percent of those infected. Disease is less severe in Hungarian partridge and bobwhite quail. In contrast, pheasant and some other species often do not exhibit signs of disease, but they instead become carriers that maintain the disease cycle. Canada geese that were examined at the NWHC have also been found to have a histomoniasis-like disease. In North America, wild turkey and bobwhite quail are the species most commonly infected in the wild. The disease is found worldwide.

from the USGS manual, chap.35/pg. 256, linked to above.

And, other insect vectors, that result in soil contamination, have been identified as well (moving histomonads hither and yon).

I checked with both our State Vet. and the folks at the University of MO. turkey farm when we started. They gave pretty much the same advice, but could only cite one outbreak - keep in mind they tend to monitor business operations not backyard flocks - (at a commercial operation - no chickens, only turkeys) in Springfield, MO in 1998.
It could arrive on the freaky/flukey at any time - plenty of Wild Easterns around here - but the infected cecal worm eggs aren't in the soil at this location, at present (5yrs with no problems).

Good luck, no matter what you decide to do!

Regular worming schedule and a supply of Flagyl on hand should alleviate some anxiety​

 

[OmaBird]

I wonder what they consider to be a large percentage of chickens since nobody here has mentioned ever having a case of blackhead. Turkeys and chickens have always lived together. No since me doing anything different. I have had mine with over 3,000 chickens that free ranged here.

 

[rainnotebook]

Quote:
Thats really interested. I'm okay with mixing them... my DH is not. Very certain we need to keep them separated... I was hoping my research would defend my side not his.