Note on the prevalence and distribution of the eyeworm of the domestic fowl in Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Oxyspirura mansoni, the eyeworm of the domestic fowl, was recovered from the conjunctival sacs, nictitating membranes or nasolacrimal ducts of 55 out of 240 domestic fowls from throughout Papua New Guinea. Of the fowls examined, 42% of those reared under extensive systems of management were infected, whereas only 2% of those reared under semi-intensive systems and none of those reared intensively were infected. No worms were recovered from fowls originating from highland areas.