Transmission of Histomonas meleagridis to domestic fowl by means of earthworms recovered from pheasant yard soil.

Four cockerels and two poults were fed ground earthworms recovered from soil where ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were raised. All 4 cockerels showed mild signs of histomoniasis, and numerous Heterakis were recovered at necropsy. One of the 2 poults died, with typical gross and microscopic lesions of histomoniasis. Heterakis eggs recovered from the 4 cockerels were used to infect an additional 12 cockerels and 11 poults.