The free-range production system facilitates the lifecycle of roundworms (nematodes) and tapeworms (cestodes) of chickens by increased contact with parasite eggs or intermediate hosts. In Australia only two drugs are registered for use for worm control, both are over 50 years old, neither control tapeworms and the resistance status of worms to these drugs is unknown. Methods and approaches to control are ill-defined and inaccessible and defined strains for use in research are not available, lagging far behind the situation with ruminant helminths.

This project will deliver an improved understand of the prevalence, importance and management of worms within the free range egg industry. It will also generate improved methods of worm diagnosis, collection, storage and evaluation as well as a collection of characterised poultry helminths for reference and future research. A new website will be created to support integrated control of worms in poultry.