Impact of parasites on Australian laying hen welfare

Cage housing systems separate the hen from her excreta and, thus, break transmission cycle for most internal parasites. However, production where birds are on litter or have access to outdoors allow parasite life-cycle completion hence, these seen a resurgence of intestinal parasites (worms, coccidia and histomonads). Effective registered anthelminthics few in Australia there no products available treat tapeworms hens that laying eggs human consumption. Hence, represent challenge welfare free-range cage-free flocks. This is even more problematic ‘organic’ systems, as none effective treatments can be used. considerable issue organic system only measure lengthy range-area resting. External infest any system, although too regarded likely extensive systems. Parasites increasing layer industry this compounded by parasites’ ability variety bird species, making introduction wild significant source. New antiparasitic used during egg consumption will required future.