Blackhead disease, which is also called histomoniasis, is a big problem in the turkey business because it can hurt the health and productivity of flocks. For turkey growers directly impacted by this health challenge, this article will help answer your questions on.
Blackhead disease, also known as histomoniasis, is a concerning issue for backyard turkey farmers and commercial producers alike. This disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis and can result in serious health issues and mortality in affected flocks. But what are the implications of blackhead disease when it comes to consuming infected turkeys? Can you safely eat a turkey with blackhead disease? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Blackhead Disease?
Blackhead disease is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis. This parasite requires an intermediate host, the cecal worm Heterakis gallinarum, to complete its lifecycle.
Turkeys and chickens become infected with H. meleagridis when they ingest worm eggs containing the protozoa from the environment. Inside the bird the eggs hatch and the emerging worms carry the protozoa into the cecum. H. meleagridis then reproduces rapidly breaching the intestinal wall and spreading to the liver and other organs.
The disease is characterized by the following signs
- Listlessness, drooping wings
- Ruffled, unkempt feathers
- Diarrhea, yellow droppings
- Swollen cecum and liver with necrotic lesions
- Emaciation and death (especially in young birds)
The name “blackhead disease” comes from the dark coloring of the head and neck region in some affected turkeys due to necrosis and congestion of the liver.
Blackhead disease can affect chickens, but mortality rates are much higher in turkeys, often reaching 70-100% of infected flocks. The disease also impacts game birds like pheasants, partridges, and quail.
Can You Eat a Turkey with Blackhead Disease?
The critical question for many backyard turkey keepers is whether an infected turkey can still be safely consumed.
There are a few important considerations regarding eating meat from turkeys with blackhead disease:
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Meat safety: The H. meleagridis parasite itself does not directly contaminate the meat. However, secondary bacterial infections are common and could render the meat unsafe if systemic.
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Liver: The liver is typically severely impacted and should always be discarded. Do not consume the liver of birds with blackhead disease.
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Meat quality: Even if not harboring dangerous pathogens, diseased birds often have very poor body condition and low muscle mass from emaciation. The quantity and quality of meat may be very poor.
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Ethics: Some consider it unethical to slaughter for consumption birds that are sick and suffering. This is a personal decision.
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Flock health: Consuming and handling infected birds risks further environmental contamination and disease spread. Their carcasses are best discarded or burned.
Best Practices for Blackhead Disease
To avoid losing birds to blackhead disease, the best approach is prevention:
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Maintain a closed flock and practice strict biosecurity protocols.
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Prevent access of poultry to areas contaminated with feces. Use regulated free-ranging conditions.
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Keep the environment and housing clean and remove wet litter immediately.
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Use an all-in, all-out management system for each flock.
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Quarantine and test any new bird introductions.
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Provide adequate housing space per bird.
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Reduce stressors like overcrowding, heat, etc.
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Include garlic, oregano, pumpkin seeds, etc. in feed as nutraceuticals.
If blackhead disease is identified in the flock, immediately:
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Isolate and treat affected birds if possible. Drugs like nitarsone were once used but are now prohibited. Supportive care and nutraceuticals may help.
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Consider euthanasia of severely ill birds to prevent suffering.
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Disinfect housing and equipment thoroughly after removing sick birds.
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Examine management practices and biosecurity protocols to prevent future outbreaks.
With sound prevention strategies, blackhead disease can be avoided. But if it does occur, consuming infected turkeys poses significant health risks and ethical concerns. While the meat itself may not always be contaminated, the quality is often poor. Birds with blackhead disease are best handled carefully and their carcasses destroyed. Maintaining flock health and preventing infection are key to producing safe, high quality turkeys for consumption.
Histomonas meleagridis: 10
Heterakis gallinarum: 4
Blackhead disease: 16
Turkeys: 9
Chickens: 3
Pheasants: 1
Partridges: 1
Quail: 1
What is Blackhead Disease?
Affected birds may exhibit vulture-like appearance due to the chronic wasting nature of the disease. They will have empty crops and display weakness from the decrease in absorption of nutrients and energy. Their heads and wings may also hang down, their eyes may be closed, their feathers may be ruffled, and their poop may be sulfur-colored. The thickening of the cecal wall, often with the formation of a cecal core, and spots on the liver are clear signs of blackhead disease. Depending on the rate of transmission in your flock, farmers may see mortality ranging from 5-100%. Though Blackhead disease occurs in chickens , it often is much more devastating for turkey operations.
Alternative therapies may be best hope for managing blackhead disease in turkeys
FAQ
Can a turkey survive blackhead disease?
Is blackhead disease contagious to humans?
Can you eat a sick turkey?
How to cure blackheads in turkey?
How to prevent blackhead disease in turkeys?
Fortunately, preventative measures are available to combat blackhead disease in turkeys. Implementing strict biosecurity measures, such as proper cleaning and disinfection practices, controlling wild bird access, and monitoring for caecal worm eggs in the environment, can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
How do I get rid of many blackheads quickly?
Good facial hygiene and daily washing of the face is recommended. Salicylic acid face wash can dry out the dead skin cells in your pores and helps in clearing the pores. Some face masks can also improve symptoms. Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve.
Can turkeys get blackhead disease?
Turkeys are highly susceptible to blackhead disease. Once a turkey flock has been infected, 70 to 100% of the birds may die. In one survey, U.S. turkey industry professionals reported at least 50 outbreaks of the disease each year since 2009. 1 Blackhead disease is less severe in chickens but can lead to poor health and reduced egg production.
Is there a medication for turkey blackhead?
No, there are no approved medications available to treat turkey blackhead symptoms. One commonly used medication used to be Histostat (nitarsone), which had shown effectiveness in controlling the spread of blackhead disease. However, it’s important to note that the use of Histostat is now withdrawn, due to the concerns of arsenic in the drug.
How do you know if a Turkey has Blackhead?
Symptoms include depression, severe diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. Because this is similar to other conditions, lab testing is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Another gastrointestinal disease, blackhead, affects turkeys and other birds, including chickens.
How do you keep Blackheads out of a turkey flock?
To keep blackhead out of your turkey flock: Regularly check for worms (every three months) and if your turkeys need worming, give them Flubenvet in their feed. This will help to keep caecal worms out (and hopefully blackhead too). Regularly add oregano to their food or drinking water (Orego+).