Learn > Ask An Expert > Gape worm in cockatiels

Gape worm in cockatiels

My question: Is it possible to eradicate gape worm in cockatiels? Every so often I notice my birds stretch their necks and shake their heads with their beak open. My avian vet applies a wormer which prevents this happening for 6-7 months and then I notice this occur again.

Syngamus trachea infestation (gape worm) would be a pretty uncommon diagnosis in such a small bird species. Simply considering the overall size of the parasite and the comparatively narrow tracheal size of the host. I would suggest that you ask your veterinarian to re-confirm this diagnosis in your bird as a first step, and then, if the parasite is confirmed via tracheal endoscopy or other modalities, have the environment and intermediate hosts of the parasite completely and effectively removed.

About Brian Speer, DVM

Avian veterinarian Dr. Brian Speer was raised in a small town on California’s coast. He received his BS in Biology from California Polytechnic State University in 1978, and his DVM degree from the University of California at Davis in 1983.

An active member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), Dr. Speer is a much sought after guest speaker and has presented at numerous conferences in the avicultural and zoological communities both within the United States and abroad. He is well published in the AAV annual proceedings, has served as guest editor for the journal Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, the Veterinary Clinics of North America, and authored chapters in several recent veterinary medical texts on pet bird, avicultural and ratite medical topics. In 1995 he co-authored the extensive avicultural reference, The Large Macaws, and helped to co-author Birds for Dummies in 1999.

Since 1989, Dr, Speer has run a “bird’s only” practice in the San Francisco Bay area and is the President and Director of The Medical Center for Birds. He is a consultant for The Veterinary Information Network (Avian Medical Boards) and the Maui Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. In 2003 he was the recipient of the Lafeber award for excellence in private practice of avian medicine and surgery and in 2006, was named Speaker of the Year for the North American Veterinary Conference.