Transmission Of Blackhead From Junglefowl To Turkey

Results from experimental studies conducted on 2 southeastern game farms showed that the Indian Red Junglefowl (Gallus g. murghl) was a capable reservoir host for blackhead disease (histomoniasis, enterohepatitis), and indicated that some junglefowl released in range of the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were carriers of blackhead. Since blackhead has been a major disease problem in southeastern wild turkey populations, the disease potential should be carefully considered prior to any future releases of junglefowl.