Spotlight on Histomonosis (blackhead disease): a re-emerging disease in turkeys and chickens

Abstract

Histomonosis, or blackhead disease, is a well-known disease in turkeys that can cause high mortality, but outbreaks with lower losses are also observed. The disease is less fatal in chickens but is economically important due to reduced performance and its co-appearance with colibacillosis. The lack of specific prophylactic and therapeutic interventions has led to a re-emergence of the disease in recent years, mainly in turkeys, free-range layers and chicken parent stock.

Keywords: Histomonas meleagridis; Histomonosis; blackhead disease; paromomycin; vaccination.