Volume 15, Issue 1: 2025 - Article 181

Abstract
Concurrent ascariasis and coligranulomatosis was investigated in a 42-week-old flock of exotic layer chickens at a backyard poultry farm in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. On May 17, 2024, the farm reported a sudden rise in mortality, with a cumulative loss of 45 out of the 427 birds in the flock, over a period of eight weeks (10.5% overall mortality). Clinical signs included reduction in feed and water intake, decreased egg production by 20% and severe diarrhea. Affected birds exhibited lethargy, anorexia and respiratory distress, alongside pronounced weight loss and signs of dehydration. Necropsy revealed severe dehydration, distended intestines filled with viscous material, numerous adult Ascaridia galli in the intestinal lumen and the presence of granulomatous lesions on the intestinal wall and some internal organs. Additional findings at necropsy included necrotic foci in the liver and reproductive organs, alongside signs of pericarditis and pulmonary congestion. Bacteriological culture confirmed the presence of E. coli, and parasitological identification showed that the helminths were Ascaridia galli. Mycosis and tuberculosis were ruled out. Treatment with oxytetracycline and fenbedazole led to recovery. The interplay between these infections underscores the complex etiology of the outbreak, highlighting how parasitic infections can possibly compromise immune responses and predispose birds to bacterial diseases. This case emphasizes the need for integrated disease management strategies that address both parasitic and bacterial burdens in poultry to improve flock health and productivity.

Keywords: Ascariasis; Coligranulomatosis; Ascaridia galli; Escherichia coli; Layer chickens; Poultry health.

How to cite this article:
Lawal JR, Igbokwe NA, Lawan FA, Balami AG, Mohzo DL, Ibrahim UI, Geidam YA and Biu AA (2025). Concurrent ascariasis and coligranulomatosis (Hjärre and Wramby's disease) in a 42-week-old flock of exotic layer chickens: A case report. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 15(1): 969 – 979.

*Correspondence: E-mail:     rabana4real@unimaid.edu.ng      Phone: +2348032886428

Concurrent ascariasis and coligranulomatosis (Hjärre and Wramby's disease) in a 42-week-old flock of exotic layer chickens: A case report
Jallailudeen R. Lawal ^{1, 4}, Nanacha A. Igbokwe ^{2, 4}, Fatima A. Lawan ³, Arhyel G. Balami ^{1, 4}, Dauda L. Mohzo ⁵, Umar I. Ibrahim ^{1, 4}, Yaqub A. Geidam ^{1, 4}, Abdullahi A. Biu ⁶

1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
² Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
³ Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
⁴ Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria.
⁵ Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
⁶ Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

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