Capillariasis (hairworms) in falcons
Other names: Farsa worms، Capillaria، Crop/oesophageal worms
Symptoms
- Plaques in the mouth resembling trichomonas
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea
Diagnosis
Faecal test or mouth swab (bipolar-plugged eggs).
Treatment
Anthelmintics as the vet directs (benzimidazoles/ivermectin/levamisole; common drug names, dose from the vet). Treatment must be under the supervision of a veterinarian specialised in birds of prey; doses are determined by weight, species and examination results.
Prevention
Periodic faecal testing, clean floors, checking new birds.
Season
Year-round; in a Swiss study 11 of 15 falcons had capillaria eggs.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.