Gapeworm in chickens

Gapeworm is a nematode - Syngamus trachea – which infects a wide variety of birds all over the world, including chickens. If your chickens free-range anywhere there might have been other poultry, wild birds, or insects, then they have probably been exposed to gapeworm.
Most adult chickens have some resistance to gapeworm but chicks under two months old are more susceptible.
In a severe infestation, the gapeworms can block the chicken’s airway, so she makes a whistling or grunting sound with each breath, or even eventually block her airway completely.
Treatment for gapeworm requires an antihelminth that specifically targets gapeworm. The main classes of antihelminths suitable for use against nematodes in chickens are the Benzimidazoles, such as Fenbezadazole and Flubendazole, and an Imidazothiazole called Levamisole. Different products are administered in different ways, so do check with a vet about dosage and directions for use, as well as any egg withholding period.


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