It causes ascaridiasis, a disease of poultry due to heavy worm infection, particularly in chickens and turkeys.

The cuticle is striated transversely through the length of the body and cuticular alae are poorly developed.

Males are relatively shorter and smaller (measuring 50 to 76 mm long), with a distinct pointed and curved tail.

[6][7] Eggs found in the feces of infected birds are oval with smooth shells and measure 73–92 by 45–57 microns.

[8] The lifecycle of A. galli is direct in a single host, involving two principal populations, namely the sexually mature parasite in the gastrointestinal tract and the infective stage (L2).

The eggs are oval in shape and have thick, albuminous shells that are highly resistant to desiccation and persist for a long time in the environment.

[11] Temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and pH are thought to be triggering factors that signal the larva to hatch from its egg.

Transport hosts such as earthworms are thought to play a role in transmission of A. galli, hence free range birds tend to have a higher risk of infection.

Heavy infection is the major cause of weight depression and reduced egg production in poultry husbandry.