revention is still one of the best cures,” explained Dr. Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian and interim associate center director of extension at the University of Arkansas. “Didn’t grandma say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – she’s right.”
According to him there are many different products available that claim to be natural and there are many things that flock owners use that could be considered out of the ordinary. “Some flock owners say they use garlic in the feed to reduce internal parasites, others use diatomaceous earth in the feed for internal parasites and others use diatomaceous earth applied to the birds to kill external parasites. Others say that a small amount of tobacco in the feed or powdered and applied to the birds will reduce the parasite population,” he explained. “But with all these ‘options’ there is no scientific data to back up the majority of claims.”
“With any type of parasite, they tend to build up resistance over time to the products used to rid the birds of them,” he explained, “so the best option is to work hard to prevent the parasites and diseases to begin with.”
Charlia Estes-Mills from Estes Hatchery in Springfield, Mo., echoed that advice. “A balanced diet in a good clean environment will produce the healthiest birds,” she said. “Healthy birds in turn will be the best producers, whether for eggs or meat. The healthier they are overall, the better they will be able to fight off parasites and worms if they do get into the flock.”
Estes Hatchery is a fourth generation family operation where the chicks are hatched and flocks then go out to various owners. “When the birds begin laying, we purchase the eggs back,” Charlia explained. “Healthy flocks are important to provide eggs. Producers need to check on and watch their birds. If they see changes in the animals such as pale flesh, weight loss and overall they don’t look healthy, they need to be aware of what is going on before it spreads to an entire flock.”
Dustan agreed, “If you are buying chickens, inspect them before you take them home. Visually look at them to see if they appear healthy, and after you take them home, keep them separate from the rest of your birds for a while (20-30 days), to make sure no problems occur.”
Overall environment is important to healthy birds. “Pens and buildings need sunlight exposure or ventilation to allow them to dry out – good quality, clean nesting materials are necessary,” Dustan added. “And when cleaning, good old fashioned hot soapy water is one of the best things you can use; it will kill and/or dilute many pathogens. Make sure your pens have adequate draining to dry completely and clean and disinfect your equipment.”
The one thing they both agree on: cleanliness and bio-security are among the best solutions in preventing internal parasites and diseases. “Smart management techniques and biosecurity are still some of the best bets to assist in keeping healthy, parasite and disease free birds,” Dustan concluded.
