Worms are a common issue that falcons can encounter, often transferred via their food sources. Worms can impact your falcon’s overall health if left untreated, discover the types of worms that can affect your falcon.
Roundworm
Roundworm infections are common in falcons and can be caused by various species such as Ascarids and Capillaria spp. These worms primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract of falcons.
Symptoms of roundworm
Symptoms of roundworm infections in falcons can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, common symptoms are weight loss, poor growth In younger falcons, and poor feather quality.
Tapeworm
Tapeworm infections in falcons are caused by species like Choanotaenia spp. and Paruterina falconis. These worms attach themselves to the falcon’s intestines and can grow in segments.
Symptoms of tapeworm
Falcons with tapeworm infections may display signs of discomfort or restlessness, such as excessive grooming, feather picking, or rubbing their bodies against perches or other objects.
Hairworms
Hairworm infections n falcons are relatively rare, but they can occur. These worms typically inhabit the falcon’s digestive tract.
Symptoms of hairworms
Some of the symptoms are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, lethargy and weight loss.
Flukes
Fluke infections are less common in falcons, but they can occur. Can infect falcons through the ingestion of intermediate hosts, such as snails or fish.
Symptoms of flukes
Possible symptoms associated with fluke infections in falcons are weight loss, abdominal discomfort and lethargy.
Lungworms
A type of parasitic worm that can infect the respiratory system of falcons. Falcon lungworms are typically acquired through ingesting infected intermediate hosts, such as earthworms or insects, that carry the parasite’s larvae.
Symptoms of lungworms
Lungworm infections in falcons can cause a range of respiratory symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and nasal discharge.