Blackhead disease (also known simply as blackhead) is a commercially important avian disease that affects chickens, turkeys and other poultry. It is a form of histomoniasis caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis. Blackhead disease affects turkeys more than chickens.
Symptoms
- Darkened face
- Signs of illness (weight loss, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite, etc...)
- Blood in the poo
Treatment
- Remove infected birds and cull, no treatment available
- Clean pen thoroughly and sanitize to keep from spreading