Gastrointestinal parasitism in houbara bustards (roundworms)
Gastrointestinal parasitism by roundworms (nematodes) is a very common condition in houbara bustards, a steppe bird raised particularly in breeding centres in North Africa and the Middle East. Threadlike worms settle in the bird's stomach,...
What is it?
Gastrointestinal parasitism by roundworms (nematodes) is a very common condition in houbara bustards, a steppe bird raised particularly in breeding centres in North Africa and the Middle East. Threadlike worms settle in the bird's stomach, intestines, or gizzard. They feed on blood or digestive contents, irritate the intestinal wall, and interfere with food absorption. This disease mainly affects young birds and animals raised in captivity or semi-captivity, where high density and contact with contaminated soil favour transmission.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Signs are often subtle at first. A decrease in appetite is observed, progressive weight loss despite apparently normal feeding, and dull or ruffled plumage.
The bird becomes less active, remains listless, and its development may slow in young birds.
Abnormally soft or liquid droppings sometimes appear, and in heavy infestations, worms may be visible in the faeces.
In severe cases, dehydration, anaemia (pale mucous membranes), and death may occur, particularly in chicks or birds weakened by stress or another illness.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Several genera of gastrointestinal nematodes are involved in houbara bustards, including gizzard and intestinal worms similar to those found in other terrestrial birds. Contamination occurs through ingestion of eggs or larvae present on the ground or in water, or by consuming insects or invertebrates that serve as intermediate hosts for certain worm species.
Young houbara bustards that have recently been weaned are the most vulnerable, as their immune system is still immature.
Captive breeding at high density, poorly cleaned enclosures, damp soil that is repeatedly soiled, and wet surroundings all favor the accumulation of parasite eggs. Stress from transport, breeding, or a change in environment, combined with unbalanced nutrition, weakens the bird's defenses and increases susceptibility to infestation.
Transmission
Transmission is essentially indirect, via contaminated environment through faeces containing parasite eggs, or by ingestion of invertebrates (insects) carrying infective larvae. There is no direct transmission between birds without passage through soil or an intermediate prey.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian suspects a digestive parasitic infection when clinical signs (weight loss, dull plumage, diarrhea) are present in the context of the bird's housing and management. Definitive diagnosis is based on microscopic examination of droppings (fecal flotation) to detect parasite eggs, supplemented if necessary by necropsy or digestive endoscopy in birds that are more difficult to examine in the clinical setting.
Treatment
Treatment involves administration of antiparasitic medications (dewormers) appropriate for the species, prescribed and dosed only by a veterinarian. Nutritional support and fluid replacement may be provided to weakened birds.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention relies on good enclosure hygiene: regular cleaning, removal of droppings, and rotation of pens to prevent parasite egg accumulation on the ground.
Regular parasitological monitoring through fecal analysis allows detection of infestation before clinical signs appear.
Preventive antiparasitic treatments can be scheduled according to a plan established by the veterinarian, particularly in breeding and reproduction centers where bird density is high.
Limiting contact with insects that may carry parasite larvae and avoiding waterlogged soil also helps reduce risk.
Possible complications
Untreated heavy infestation can lead to severe anemia, permanent stunted growth in young birds, intestinal obstruction in rare cases, and death, particularly in chicks or birds already weakened by another disease.
When to see a veterinarian
The bird loses weight or refuses to eat normally.
Droppings become abnormally soft, watery, or contain visible worms.
The plumage becomes dull and ruffled, and the bird appears sluggish or less active.
Stunted growth is observed in a young bird.
Prognosis
The prognosis is generally good if infestation is detected and treated early, with complete recovery of overall health. Without treatment, particularly in young birds or heavily infested individuals, the prognosis becomes guarded to poor due to the risk of anemia and death.
Frequently asked questions
Can digestive parasitism in the houbara bustard be transmitted to humans?
No, the gastrointestinal nematodes of the houbara bustard are not transmissible to humans. It is not a zoonotic disease.
How to know if your bustard has worms?
Only an analysis of droppings by a veterinarian (fecal examination) can confirm an infestation. Signs such as weight loss or diarrhea are not specific.
Should bustards be systematically dewormed in captive breeding?
In high-density breeding facilities, a preventive deworming programme is often recommended by the veterinarian, based on regular parasitological monitoring rather than blind treatment.
Is this disease common in Tunisia?
Gastrointestinal parasitism is a common issue in houbara bustard breeding and reintroduction centers in North Africa, owing to semi-captive rearing conditions.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 01 September 2026
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