Heterakis gallinarum in the guniea fowl, Numida meleagris: survival and comparative potential for transmitting Histomonas meleagridis

As measured by survival to maturity, size, and reproductive potential, Heterakis gallinarum thrived in young guinea fowl, unless concurrent infections with Histomonas meleagridis caused severe cecal lesions. Eggs of heterakids recovered from guinea fowl transmitted H. meleagridis to young turkeys. The young guinea fowl seems to be somewhat less important than the young New Hampshire chicken in spreading histomoniasis, but considerably more important than the young turkey.