Ornithosis/Chlamydiosis / Psittacosis (Chlamydophila psittaci)

This disease is caused by Chlamydia psittaci.

Transmission
Elementary bodies (infective parts of the organism) are commonly found in the loft. They are found on feather dust (bloom), dried faeces, loft surfaces and in respiratory system discharges (aerosols) of infected birds and birds that are carriers.
These organisms are then spread by air circulation within the loft. They then settle on the mucous membranes of upper respiratory system and eyes where, depending on the immune status of the bird, can cause mild to severe illness. These organisms can also be transmitted from the hen to the egg (vertical transmission,) resulting in chicks being born with the disease.

Symptoms
The organism is wide spread and can live in the environment for several weeks. It is unlikely that there are any pigeons that have not been exposed to varying numbers of the organism, with race baskets being the biggest source of infection.
Symptoms shown vary tremendously and are very dependent on immune and nutritional status/stress levels etc. of the birds

Symptoms most commonly found are:-

•    Poor race performance.
•    Unwillingness to fly around loft.
•    Red throats sometimes with mucous “strings"
•    Brown wattles especially the area directly above nostril opening.
•    Conjunctivitis “one eyed cold”. Bubbles are often seen in the excessive tears produced. Birds often rub their heads on their wing butts (shoulders).
•    Respiratory distress.
•    Green diarrhoea if liver is affected.
•    Death in severe cases.

Diagnosis
This can be made in the live bird by doing various tests on blood and throat samples.
A rapid test is now available from Medpet where results are available in 10 minutes.

Treatment
Doxybiotic Plus (Doxybiotic S in cage birds) is the treatment of choice.

Various treatment protocols can be used:-

•    When the disease has been confirmed with laboratory tests, treat for 20 days.
•    When the disease has been a problem in previous years, treat for 10 days before the race season (April/May in SA)
•    As a preventative treatment during the race season treat for 3-7 days.
•    During treatment all sources of Calcium (e.g. grit and minerals) must be removed.
•    Lewerstim can be added to the Doxybiotic every 3rd day. Enteroplus or Intestum can be given with, and after the Doxybiotic.
•    Wherever possible, boost immunity with Medimune, Enteroplus, Vitaton 34 and Intestum.
•    Doxybiotic should be used every 6 weeks during the race season. This is done as a preventative measure.
•    Avoid stress situations e.g. overcrowding.


 

Salmonella / Paratyphoid

This disease in pigeons is caused by Salmonella typhimurium (var copenhagen).  Salmonella bacteria are species specific meaning that each animal and bird species has its own Salmonella. It is not transferable from one species to another.  Wild birds, rats, mice etc. play no direct role in the transmission of the disease.  Recent research done on this problem has shown that the beliefs we have had all these years have been incorrect.  Only symptomless carriers and clinically ill pigeons are a source of infection.

The fancy pigeon breeds especially Modenas are very susceptible to this infection.

Transmission
The organism is transmitted from carrier and ill birds via food, water, faeces, dust, air etc.
Infected hens can transmit the organism to the egg (vertical transmission). This results in “dead in shell”.

Symptoms
Vary tremendously depending on age of bird, immune status, overall general health of the birds and the organs affected. Symptoms shown (starting with mildest to most severe), can be:-

•    Mild to no symptoms (symptomless carriers)
•    Poor performance
•    Poor fertility if sex organs are affected
•    Poor hatchability of eggs
•    Diarrhoea
•    Swollen joints
•    Nervous symptoms (neck and head twisting. loss of balance). Here the symptoms are
•    similar to Paramyxo.
•    General signs of poor health, poor appetite, listlessness, weight loss, ruffled feathers etc.
•    Death, which in many cases can be sudden.
(See Colin Walker's photos below)

Diagnosis is made by bacterial isolation of Salmonella in the faeces of live birds and isolations from internal organs in the dead bird.
A Rapid test available from Medpet can be done on the faeces of the birds. Results are available in 10 minutes.

Treatment

The medications that have now been accepted world- wide as the best treatments are products that are the same as a mixture of Mediprim and Medicox.

Both are used at the dosage recommended on the label.  1 teaspoon of each to 2 litres of water.

Birds that are ill should be treated for 10 to 14 days.  Preventative treatment before the racing season and mating of breeding birds should also be done for 10 to 14 days.

Supportive treatment in the form of immune boosters, Vitamins and probiotics (Intestum, Entero-Plus, Medimune, Lewerstim and Vitaton 34) can be used during and after treatment.
Isolate sick birds. Disinfect loft regularly especially during treatment.
Follow good husbandry practice to ensure birds are in optimum health. Use probiotics and immune boosters wherever possible.
New introductions and strays should be isolated and treated preventatively as above.
 


 
Candida / Yeast Infection

This is caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. This is a “normal” inhabitant of the gut but will proliferate rapidly under favourable conditions.
These are:-
•    Primary infections by viruses often seen with young bird disease.  The increase in incidence we see with Candida corresponds with the same increase in incidence we see in YBD.  In 2019 we saw most cases of Candida in May, June and July.  Over this period we were seeing the most cases of YBD.
•    Overuse of antibiotics without counteracting their effect with pro/prebiotics like Intestum and Enteroplus.
•    After treatment with Canker medication.
•    Stress, poor feeding, quality of food and management.

Symptoms
•    Delayed emptying of crop (“slow crop”). Food is still present in the crop in the mornings.
•    Poor performance
Other symptoms may be shown but are often as a result of the primary infection

Diagnosis
Easily made by taking crop scrapings or a crop flush. The budding yeast are easily identified as can be seen in photo. The more budding that is seen the more significant the problem.

Prevention and treatment
Prevented by regular use of Intestum and/or Entero-Plus especially after a course of antibiotics.
Medistatin used for one or two days every week during the race season helps counteract the effect of any virus that may be present,the effect of any antibiotic or Canker treatment that may have been given.   It is safe for use in the racing and breeding season.
     



Coccidiosis

Caused by a protozoan parasite living in the wall of the intestine of mainly pigeons ,budgies and finches. In most cases it is found in small numbers but it will proliferate rapidly under warm wet conditions, lowered immunity, stress (overtraining in pigeons) poor management and nutrition.

Clinical signs
In mild cases no symptoms are seen. Diagnosis is made by doing a faecal floatation test.  Photo (courtesy of Dr Colin Walker) shows the Coccidia parasite in the centre with budding Candida surrounding it.
In more severe cases a dark green to bloody and smelly diarrhoea is seen. Later the birds show weight loss, poor appetite, fluffed-up appearance and death.

Treatment
In the past small numbers of oocysts (eggs) in faecal test were not considered a problem. Now, especially in racing pigeons, we have found that it is necessary to treat, regardless of the numbers of eggs found. Even small numbers of the parasite can cause damage to the intestinal wall. This enables bacteria and viruses to gain easy access to the blood stream.
Medicox and Coximed are most commonly used.  Ronamp, Avisol, Embazin, 4 in 1,
Trimethoprim/Sulfa can also be used.
For pigeons, Factor 5 and Tri-Cure can also be used.

Canker / crop canker (Trichomoniasis)

This is a common disease caused by a motile protozoan organism called Trichomonas columbae (in pigeons)

Transmission
Transmission through the saliva, is by direct contact by two adults “beaking” or between parents and youngsters being fed, or by indirect contact via water and food.

Symptoms
Variable symptoms are seen. They include:-
•    Poor performance in racing pigeons.
•    Yellow cheesy “growths” in the mouth. Excessive salivation and possibly slime in the throat.
•    Difficulty in swallowing. Slow emptying of crop (”slow crop").
•    Poor appetite leading to weight loss.
•    Abscesses of sinuses, navel (from infected crop milk spilling onto nest material) and cloaca. Post mortem sometimes shows abscesses in many internal organs.
•    Death especially in younger birds.

Diagnosis is easily made by taking a crop scraping or crop flush. The motile organisms are easily seen. See photos courtesy of Dr. Colin Walker.

Haemoproteus / Pigeon Malaria / Pseudomalaria
 
This is a protozoal disease of pigeons caused by Haemoproteus columbae, a parasite carried by the pigeon fly (Pseudolynchia canariensis) and to a lesser extent mosquitoes/midges.
 
Life cycle:
The parasite present in the salivary glands of the pigeon fly is transmitted to pigeons when it feeds on the bird. These parasites after completing part of their life cycle in the walls of the blood vessels of mainly the lungs and liver eventually arrive in the blood stream. This stage of the life cycle (gametocytes) is seen on blood smears (see photo, courtesy Dr Rob Conradie).

While feeding on the pigeon, the fly will take in these parasites which then multiply in the fly thus completing the life cycle which takes about 30 days.
 
Clinical signs:
Most pigeons show no symptoms apart from a drop in performance during the racing season. In severe infestations anaemia,lethargy and exercise intolerance will be seen.
Diagnosis can only made by examination of blood smears to detect the presence of parasite.
 
Treatment:
The life cycle takes 30 days; for this reason the treatment has to be given over a long period of time.
The most widely accepted treatment regime is 10 days of Primaquin at 1ml per litre before the race season and 1-2 days of treatment with Primaquin at 2mls per litre once weekly preferably throughout the year.
The vector/carrier (the pigeon fly) obviously has to be controlled as well. All birds in the loft especially new introductions and strays must be sprayed regularly with Avian Insect Liquidator (AIL).

Air Sac Mites

Each bird has nine principal air sacs with several diverticula within its respiratory tract. They are not connected to each other. The air sacs communicate with the bronchus and with several air filled bones such as the femur and humorous. The porous nature of these bones aids the bird’s flight. The habitat of the mites is in these air sacs.

Clinical Signs:
Some birds can be infected by the mites and appear healthy. The nature of the symptoms depends on several factors: volume of mites and degree of inflammation, not only in the air sacs but also in the lungs, bronchus and trachea. A clinical sign of air sac mites is open mouth breathing, which has a characteristic clicking sound. In a heavy infection some birds can be observed gasping for air. Other signs include coughing, nasal discharge, and tail bobbing, weakness and weight loss. As far as it is known, the complete life cycle of the Air Sac Mite is approximately fourteen to twenty one days.

Treatment:
Scatt is a product that was developed for birds in Australia by Vetafarm... The active ingredient is Moxidectin. This drug kills the mite by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses in the mite causing its paralysis and death. Birds, like mammals do not have the same nerve transmission system as mites so the drug is harmless to them. The manufacturer recommends for best results, re-treatment should be carried out 3 to 4 times per year.




Scaly Face Mite

The scaly face mite (Knemidokoptes pilae) is found primarily in Parakeets (Budgerigars), though it can turn up in canaries and finches as well. The mite is found on the corner of the beak on side, the vent and the legs, and can be diagnosed by identifying the clinical sign of their presence on the bird. This mite burrows in the shin, causing a powdery appearance. If you look closely, you will see a honey-comb pattern of holes in the skin, representing burrows and tunnels caused by the mites.

Treatment :
Use SCATT the same for scaly face mites as you would for air sac mites. Apply 1 to 2 drops depending on the size of the bird (1 drop per 30g body weight), to the bare skin between the shoulders. You may need to re-treat in three weeks as the mites, which live in the "DEAD" beak or leg scales, do burrow down to feed on the blood. It is very difficult to get the SCATT down into the infected areas. This medication works from the inside out. Re-treat every three weeks until infected beak grows out. Treatment may take up to 6 weeks.




Lice, Pigeon flies, and mites (Ecto-parasites)

Lice and flies especially are commonly seen.

All cause extreme irritation to the birds resulting in stamping of feet, feather picking and in racing pigeons a loss of race form.

Pigeon flies (jockeys), are responsible for the transmission of pigeon malaria (Haemoproteus - see section above on this disease).  In severe infestations the flies can result in anaemia.  Interestingly, they can also transmit lice from one pigeon to another.

Two species of mites are shown in the photos. Top photo shows quill mite (courtesy of Dr. Rob Conradie).  The photos at the bottom shows the effect of scaly leg mite (courtesy of Dr. Colin Walker).

Also see the pictures below of scaly mite in early and then advanced stages, moving to the right, courtesy Dr Colin Walker.

The treatment of choice on the birds and in the environment is Avian Insect Liquidator.  It is extremely safe and can be used in all species of birds.  It works by killing the adults as well as preventing the eggs and larvae from developing.

Scatt, a specially formulated preparation applied to the back of the neck, is also very effective.

Worms / Internal parasites / Helminthiasis

This group consists of Roundworm (Ascaridia), Hairworm (Capilaria) and Tapeworm.

Transmission
Round and hairworm are transmitted by birds eating or pecking at infected faeces on cage surfaces, food and water. Tapeworms are carried by weevils found in food and other insects. The bird has to eat these intermediate hosts to become infected.

Symptoms
In very mild cases mainly asymptomatic but in severe cases marked weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite.
As round and hairworm are very seldom seen in the faeces diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of faecal floatation. The eggs are shown as in photo courtesy of Dr. Rob Conradie. Tapeworm segments can be seen with the naked eye.

Treatment and control
Mediworm tablets or powder can be used in most bird species. It can be used during breeding and the moult.
It is important to flame the cages/loft at time of treatment so that the worm eggs can also be destroyed.  They will otherwise re-infect the birds. Remember that the area in front of the loft can also be contaminated.  Unless paved, the worm eggs in the ground or grass can live for a long time.  In these cases deworming has to be done on a regular basis.  Factor 5 and Tri-Cure can also be used.

Respiratory tract infections

Very common in racing pigeons. Often referred to as “slime in the throat”.

Caused by Mycoplasma or bacteria:-

1. Mycoplasma, seen in canaries and Gouldians as well as pigeons. In pigeons it is often seen in association with Ornithosis (called Ornithosis complex). Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria that lacks a cell wall, and hence is not affected by typical antibiotics. Mycoplasmosis is one of the primary causes of upper-respiratory disease in pigeons, canaries and Ghouldians.  Mycoplasma may also be transmitted via the egg and cause infertility or early death of chicks in the egg or in the nest.
   
2. Bacteria. Found commonly. The most common bacteria isolated are Pasteurella (now called Gallibacterium) Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, E.coli and many others.

Clinical signs ... variable but include:-

• Poor performance
• Open mouth breathing
• Dirty (discoloured) wattles
• Nasal discharge
• Sneezing
• Mucous in back of throat often causing a “string” between tongue and palate (see picture below, courtesy Dr Colin Walker).
• Swollen wide open tracheal opening, with inflamed soft palate and tonsils.
• Swelling of the lower eyelid, sometimes with a unilateral or bilateral dishcarge from the eye ("one eyed cold").
  
• Rubbing eyes on shoulder (wing butt) leaving, in some cases, a dried exudate.
  

• 
  
• For Mycoplasma and mixed bacerial and mycoplasma infections: use Longstim, Tylobiotic, or Tylodox.
• For a bacterial infections: Where we have done lab tests, Avivet has been the treatment recommended for most of the bacteria encountered.  Other antibiotics that can be used are Mediprim, Trimethoprim/sulfa powder, Doxybiotic-Plus, Longstim, Tylobiotic or Tylodox.
• For Ornithosis: Doxybiotic-Plus or Tylodox (for complex) is used.

Please check safety before using the recommended product in other bird species. 

Pigeon Pox

Pigeon pox is caused by a virus belonging to the poxvirus group, a group of viruses that cause disease in many species.  The avipoxvirus subgroup includes a number of closely related viruses such as fowl pox, pigeon pox and canary pox.

There are two clinical forms of pigeon pox, probably associated with different sources of infection.  The most common method of transmission results from mosquito bites.  Obviously, the resultant lesions will appear on featherless areas of the body, e.g. on the eyelids, around the beak (see pictures below courtesy of Dr Colin Walker) and occasionally elsewhere on the body.  The lesions start as small papules and gradually progress to a wart-like thick dark scab.  Eventually the scabs will fall off and complete healing generally takes place within four weeks of infection.  This form of the disease is seldom life threatening and is often more of a nuisance in racing pigeons as it results in a break in the training program.

The second form of pigeon pox is probably due to droplet (aerosol) infection and involves the mucous membranes of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and trachea.  This is often referred to as the wet form of pigeon pox as the lesions on the mucous membranes are soft and cheesy in nature.  This is a far more serious form of the disease.  Affected pigeons appear very sick, stop eating, have difficulty in breathing and generally lose a lot of weight.  Mortality mostly results from asphyxiation due to blockage of the respiratory tract by the necrotic material or else from secondary bacterial infections with the formation of toxins.

Occasionally a mixed form may occur with cutaneous scabs as well as soft lesions in the respiratory or even the intestinal tract.  This mixed form is more common in racing pigeons and may be due to the presence of predisposing conditions.  The crowding of racing pigeons in baskets often leads to fighting with resultant skin lesions, which will allow entry of virus.  The very close contact between such pigeons will also facilitate contact transmission resulting in the cutaneous as well as the mucosal form.

Vaccination, in most instances, amounts to controlled exposure of pigeons to field strains of the virus by applying the virus to a part of the body where least damage would result.  Squabs five weeks or older should be immunised.  The directions for use described in the package insert that accompanies the vaccine should be carefully followed.  There are basically two methods of vaccine application.  In the one (scratch method) a hypodermic needle (supplied in the package) is dipped into the vaccine and one or two scratches made in the skin of the breast.  This method requires some skill – if the scratch is too superficial, the virus will not “take” and no local lesion will develop.  Should the scratch be too deep and a fair amount of blood exudes from the wound, the vaccine is flushed out, with no resultant “take”.  In the absence of a local lesion there is no certainty that the pigeon will develop immunity.  This method is very popular with most pigeon fanciers but the immunity following vaccination is often variable as a result of the variable percentage of “takes”.

The most effective method is the so-called “follicle method”.  About five feathers are plucked out on the lower leg and vaccine applied by means of a brush that has been dipped into the vaccine.  Follicular lesions develop within 7-10 days and although the lesions may look unsightly for a few days, they disappear completely after 2-3 weeks.  The general health of such vaccinated pigeons is not affected but the resultant immunity is of high quality and good duration.

Treatment :
Vaccinate with Medpet’s Medipox, and even though you may have used the scratch method successfully in the past, be aware that things have changed with this virus in the last few years and you are strongly recommended to use the follicle method.
Specifically, avoid using pox treatments that have been brought in from foreign countries as this creates more problems than it solves.

Young Bird Disease /Syndrome
 
Called a syndrome more than a specific disease because it is caused by a number of viruses with Circo virus playing the major role. The other viruses found are Adeno, Herpes and Paramyxo.  This section on YBD is just a brief summary; for a detailed description with the latest scientific findings, see Dr Rob Conradie's full article on Young Bird Disease.
 
Transmission:
The virus spreads rapidly by direct and indirect (through water, air, excretions and food) contact.
 
Clinical signs:

• Very poor appetite
• Delayed emptying of crop
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Drinking lots of water
• Rapid weight loss

If Paramyxo is involved nervous symptoms (twisting of neck) and very watery faeces are seen.
Destruction of the immune system leads to inadequate response to vaccinations and susceptibility to secondary infections.
Poor returns from training tosses and races even in birds that to the fancier appear normal. This is associated with second wave of infection mentioned earlier.
In severe infections mortality can be as high as 50%.

 
Treatment and prevention:

• There is no vaccination against the disease.
• Rest the birds for as long as possible.
• Isolate sick birds.
• Boost immunity with Medimune powder and tablets, Enteroplus, Intestum, Viroban, and Medibrew.
• Correct dehydration with Medillyte.
• Treat secondary infections.
• For bacteria use Mediprim, Avivet or 4 in 1
• Canker must be treated with Meditrich, Canker Tonic, Emtryl, Canker Combo, Ronamp or Cankerex-Plus
• Candida is very often a secondary problem. Treat with Medistatin
• Vaccinate against Paramyxo with Nobilis Paramyxo. The latest recommendations are 1st vaccination at 3 weeks and 2nd one 4 weeks later. The earlier vaccination is advised to allow babies to develop an immunity to Paramyxo before Circo virus becomes a problem. Once they have Circo virus they are unable to develop sufficient immunity. 
  

Vitamin, mineral, amino acid and protein supplements

Medpet has a variety pof products that can assist with mineral & vitamin deficiencies. 

Aminostress
A vitamin, mineral and electrolyte additive used after strenuous exercise in racing pigeons

Aminovit H
Added to the food to supply amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements

Bloedstim
A vitamin, mineral, trace element and iron supplement.

Calcibird
A Calcium. Vit. D3 and Magnesium supplement used 2-3 times weekly, mainly during the breeding season.

Lewerstim
Liver protectant and detoxifier.

Plume-Plus
Used twice weekly. The essential fatty acids promote optimal plumage health

Premolt 5 and 100
For optimal feather health especially useful during the moulting season
Also indicated for feather plucking and calcium deficiency in parrots fed only seed diets.

Protein boost
A high protein supplement for pigeons

Vitaton 34
A very popular affordable combination of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Can be used anytime of the year.