Diagnosis

Infectious Catarrh (Coryza)
Diseases of the respiratory tract are very often mixed infections. Outbreaks of the disease result from the combined effects of pathogens and factors within the loft environment that reduce the birds' resistance to infection.

Pathogens:
The door to infection is opened by mycoplasma and viruses, in addition to fungi and trichomonads. These lower the pigeon’s resistance and allow pathogenic bacteria – Pasteurella, cocci and coli bacteria - to colonize and multiply. It is these secondary pathogens that cause the actual clinical picture of visible and audible catarrh (wheezing).

Catarrh is not always caused by pathogens. Very often, inadequate ventilation and waste-air extraction, drafts, a deficient supply of oxygen and high concentrations of noxious gases and dust in the loft reduce the pigeons' resistance, making them extremely susceptible to infection.

Symptoms of the disease:
Initially the pigeon fancier notices sneezing and an aqueous (watery) nasal

discharge, which in the acute form of the disease becomes mucopurulent (puss-like) and yellowish brown in color. This is accompanied by the first signs that the birds' general condition is impaired, namely reduced feed and water intake, cessation of down molting and a reluctance to fly. The wattle and bridge of the nose turn gray and there is scratching of the head and nose. When the beak is opened, stringy mucus can be seen stretching from the tongue region to the palate. Additional clinical signs are a reddening and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa.

In the advanced stage of the disease, whitish-yellow deposits are formed in the laryngeal region. The inflammatory processes extend to the windpipe and the lower respiratory tract (air sacs).

Recognition of the disease:
The diagnosis "infectious catarrh" can usually be established simply from the behavior of affected pigeons, the inflammatory changes in the head region and respiratory tract and the characteristic sounds of respiration (wheezing). Veterinary examination and bacteriological demonstration of the pathogen are recommended on first suspicion of disease.

Ornithosis
Ornithosis is an infectious disease that affects many bird species worldwide. Known as Psittacosis in parrots. It can also be transmitted to humans and other mammals. In Germany, Ornithosis is a notifiable disease in pigeons.

Pathogen:
Chlamydia psittaci. Chlamydia are small, non-motile micro-organisms that invade cells parasitically. Infection occurs via inhalation of stirred-up dust containing the pathogen, uptake of fecally contaminated feed or water, or else billing or feeding of squabs. The pathogen can also be transmitted to the egg prior to it’s being laid.

Symptoms of the disease:
Ornithosis occurs in 2 forms:
The acute form can be recognized in young pigeons from: wheezing noises, unilateral or bilateral conjunctivitis and muco-aqueous enteritis with diarrhea.

The chronic form is more often found in adult birds, which, however, show few or no signs of the disease. Pigeons that have recovered are a dangerous source of infection for young pigeons and for humans due to their latent shedding of the pathogen. When stressed they can relapse into the active form of the disease. Chlamydia can be a cause of fertile eggs that fail to hatch or are weak at hatching and perish shortly thereafter.

Recognition of the disease:
The disease can be demonstrated in dead pigeons by microscopic examination of a smear or impression ("klatsch") preparation of spleen, liver, conjunctiva or air sac that has first been stained using the method according to Stamp. In live birds, the pathogen is demonstrated in feces, via a swab from the cloaca, or alternatively by serological identification of specific antibodies.

Treat using a "cycline" with or without Tylan for 10 days. Doxycycline is the better one if available. The chronic form can be eliminated if used for 45 days. LS-50 is another effective product. One must clean and disinfect the loft extremely well though or infection will return from the environment. New birds, strays or wild birds can also reintroduce the disease.

Mycoplasmosis Catarrh
The chronic form of catarrh in pigeons often is called "Mycoplasmosis". It is caused by a multiple infection with pathogens: bacteria, viruses and pathogens belonging to the group of mycoplasma organisms. It is assumed that mycoplasma causes severe conditions only in the presence of other infections.

Pathogen/Cause:
Outside the animal body, mycoplasma organisms are viable only for a short period (approx. 17 days at 20°C, but only 20 minutes at 50°C). Low temperatures favor their survival. Mycoplasma organisms are killed by almost all commonly used disinfectants.

Transmission takes place through the feces, the drinking water, feed, equipment and by droplet infection from pigeon to pigeon.

Symptoms of the disease:
Mucopurolent (puss-like) discharge from the nose, reduced flying performance, unwillingness to fly, flying awkwardly, throat inflammation, rattling and wheezing sound of respiration particularly noticeable by night. Air sac inflammation.

Recognition of the disease:
Cadaver examination: air sac inflammation
Serological blood test

Use one of the cyclines in conjunction with Tylan. LS-50 is another good choice.

Prevention:
Elimination of possible factors that reduce the bird's resistance to infection. Such factors may be: overcrowding in the loft, lack of cleanliness, latent infections (e.g. ectoparasites, worm infestations, coccidial infection), excessive stress in breeding, deficient feed, poor water supply, stress during the show season.

Trichomoniasis (Canker)
Trichomoniasis or Canker occurs in pigeon flocks worldwide. It is especially feared as a rearing disease with severe losses in youngbirds.

Pathogen:
Trichomonas gallinae/columbae is a monocellular, motile flagellated protozoon. Nearly all pigeons are carriers of trichomonads, which live in the mucosa of the beak and throat, the gullet and the crop. Infected pigeons excrete the parasites in saliva and feces. Adult pigeons infect the young when feeding crop milk.

Symptoms of the disease:
In adult pigeons and fledglings, there is a noticeable decrease in vitality, reluctance to fly, diarrhea and a reddening of the throat. As the infection progresses, "yellow buttons" appear on the oral mucosa, developing into caseous (cheese like) yellow deposits (canker). Serious disease can be present without the typical canker deposits. This is known as the wet form. Do not detach the deposits due to risk of bleeding.

Nestlings develop an umbilical infection and an abscess is formed which can spread to the internal organs. At 10-14 days of age, pungent-smelling liquid droppings and the first signs of retarded growth are observed, with the nestlings constantly squeaking for food. One nestling is often smaller than the other and continues to fall behind.

Recognition of the disease:
Trichomonads are demonstrated microscopically in moist smears from the pharyngeal or crop mucosa of a living or recently killed pigeon. In a cadaver, it is possible to demonstrate the pathogen for up to 20 hours after death.

Similar conditions:
In adult pigeons, white dots appearing towards the back of the throat are not trichomonas foci. These firm, white or yellowish-gray nodules are, in fact, salivary calculi (stones) formed from the hardened secretions of the mucous glands. They are harmless and should not be removed due to risk of bleeding.

When trichomonads are identified, all pigeons in the flock should be treated at the same time, as those with visible lesions are just the tip of the iceberg. If increased drinking water is required (e.g. in the hatching period or hot weather), do not dilute medicated water. Instead, provide fresh water after the medicated water is finished. Do not provide bath water during the treatment period. Drugs for water medication are Ronidizole, Emtril, and Metronidazole. Carnidazole is helpful in treating individual affected birds. Dose the tablets on size compared to an adult. ½ to a half grown nestling.

Prevention:
It is generally suggested to run a course of treatment prior to pairing the breeding birds up. This will not eliminate the disease but greatly reduce it. This reduction decreases the dose passed on to the nestlings. Late rounds may be more likely to be affected. This approach is particularly important if birds from multiple sources are used for breeding. Each source would have it’s own strain and will be relatively immune to it. Mixing strains can cause disease outbreaks, as the birds are susceptible to the other strains.

Salmonellosis (paratyphoid)
Salmonellosis has one of the highest mortality rates of any infectious bacterial disease of pigeons.

Pathogen:
Salmonella typhimurium copenhagen, designated as the "pigeon type" salmonella strain. Given the right conditions, the bacterium can remain infective in the environment for 1 year or more. This strain of Salmonella is rarely infective to humans.

Salmonella are spread by:
Inhalation of dust containing the pathogen
Contaminated feed (insects, mice, rats)
Dirty feed troughs and water bowls
Mating
Transmission from the hen to the egg
Penetration of the egg directly after laying
Feeding the nestlings with infected crop milk and billing

Chronic carriers:
Pigeons that appear healthy after surviving salmonella infection, but shed the pathogen at irregular intervals and thus pose a risk to the current flock and their progeny.

Clinical signs:
Acute form (mainly affects young pigeons):
Enteritis (intestinal infection) with pulpy, mucoid, greenish droppings; once organs (liver, kidneys, spleen) have become infected, there is growth retardation, emaciation and death. Embryos infected with salmonellae frequently die in ova or during the first few days of life.

Chronic form (mainly affects adult pigeons):
Inflammation causes a thickening of the joints, especially the elbow joint, wing or leg lameness, disorders of balance and torsion (twisting) of the neck.

Recognition of the disease:
Bacteriological examination of fecal and/or organ samples. Yellowish white nodules of various sizes in and on any or all internal organs. An antibiogram is performed to determine which medication is suitable for treatment purposes.

Baytril for 10 days will eliminate the chronic carrier state. One must clean and disinfect the loft extremely well, however, or infection will return from the environment. New birds, strays, or wild birds can also reintroduce the disease.

Prevention:

Sal-Bac vaccine is very effective at reducing losses. Vaccinate young birds and new birds twice: two to four weeks apart. Booster yearly.

Acidifying the environment also helps as Salmonella can not live and reproduce in acidic conditions. Vinegar in the water and acidic loft dressings accomplish this.

Paramyxovirus Infection (PMV)
Paramyxovirus infection occurs in pigeons as an acute disease, taking an epidemic course.

Pathogen:
The Paramyxovirus is related to the Newcastle disease pathogen, but not identical. The virus is highly pathogenic for pigeons, but not for other domestic bird species.

Course of the disease:
Within just a few days of infection, both visibly and latently affected birds shed the virus in secretions from the conjunctiva, nose and throat, as well as in the feces. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 21 days. Up to 30% of affected pigeons may recover spontaneously after around 4 weeks of illness.

Symptoms of the disease:
The initial signs of Paramyxovirus are increased water intake combined

with reduced feed consumption, emaciation and diarrhea-like feces due to a pathogenic increase in fluid excretion (polyuria: puddles containing floating particles of feces are formed in the loft). This is typically followed by uni - or bilateral paralysis of the legs, timidity, torsion of the neck, twisting movements of the body, overturning and walking backwards. Most pigeons die.

Recognition of the disease:
The virus can be demonstrated in specially equipped laboratories by virological examination of organ samples (brain, kidneys) from dead pigeons. Antibody demonstration is performed by serological examination of blood samples taken from affected pigeons not earlier than 2 weeks after infection.

Prevention:

Only active immunization protects the pigeons, which then develop a stable immunity within 3-4 weeks. PMV vaccine is very effective at reducing losses. Vaccinate young birds and new birds twice: two to four weeks apart. Booster yearly. The vaccine used in the water is minimally effective. In the face of an outbreak vaccinate all the birds. This will slow, then stop the disease. Also treat with antibiotics as secondary infections contribute to losses.

Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that is widely distributed among pigeons throughout the world. Coccidia inhabit the small intestine of nearly all pigeons.

Pathogen:
Along with trichomonads, Coccidia are the most commonly found protozoa in pigeons, occurring in the form of two eimeria species: E. labbeana and E. columbarum. Both species only infest pigeons. Coccidia form permanent stages (oocysts), which only become infective after maturing in the environment.

Course of disease:
Following ingestion of the oocysts, their subsequent developmental stages damage the intestinal wall. Within 4-7 days of infection, the pigeon starts to excrete oocysts again.

There are two forms of Coccidiosis:
The asymptotic (or sub clinical) form occurs most frequently. After ingesting small quantities of oocysts for the first time, pigeons develop immunity to infection due to stimulation of endogenous defense mechanisms, without visibly succumbing to the disease. With this protection, which is reinforced by constant ingestion of low levels of oocysts, the birds live in a kind of equilibrium with the parasites, which also protects them against severe intestinal disease.

The visible form of the disease with an acute course and severe generalized disturbance - true coccidiosis - occurs when still unprotected young pigeons become infected by ingesting large amounts of oocysts or when the immunity of older pigeons is reduced or broken down by stress factors.

Symptoms of the disease:
Asymptotic form:
Infested birds appear healthy, albeit rather less lively. The droppings are sometimes rather soft.

Acute course:
Visibly affected pigeons produce malodorous, muco-aqueous, greenish and sometimes bloody diarrhea. They are listless, have puffed-up plumage and drink profusely, with reduced feed intake.

Recognition of the disease:
Coccidial oocysts can be demonstrated by microscopic examination of fecal samples (prepared according to the flotation method).

Asymptotic form:
Only a small quantity of oocysts is identified in the feces (finding = +).

Acute form:
The fecal sample reveals moderate (finding = ++) or severe (finding = +++) oocyst infestation.

Asymptomatic form:
Pigeons suspected of infection that show mild infestation are not treated, in order not to disturb the host-pathogen equilibrium.

Acute form:
Diseased pigeons are treated with Baycox, Corid or sulfas. If coccidia has been a problem in weaned young birds one can use Baycox or Corid for one treatment period monthly as a preventative until natural immunity builds up.

E. coli Infection
Alongside Salmonella, Escherichia coli are among the most frequent causes of bacterial enteropathies in pigeons.

Pathogen:
E. coli is part of the normal gut flora of humans and warm-blooded animals. E coli bacteria excreted in the feces can survive in the environment for many months, maintaining their ability to multiply. E coli bacteria enter the digestive tract or respiratory organs - and even the air sacs - with contaminated feed or water, or alternatively with respiratory air, enveloped in dust particles. Very small numbers of E coli are usually found in the droppings and intestine of healthy pigeons. Only when large numbers are found does disease occur.

Course of the disease:
Profuse multiplication of pathogenic E coli bacteria rapidly results in severe enteritis (intestinal infection), which in turn leads to considerable loss of water and electrolytes. Pathogenic E coli bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and colonize individual organs. The result is a systemic disorder, known as colisepticemia, which after an acute course can end in death either within a few hours or only after several days. The disease is often secondary; it gets a foothold from another disease such as coccidia or a virus. It can also be secondary to stress.

Symptoms of the disease:
The clinical picture is characterized by typical signs of a systemic disorder, such as listlessness, refusal of feed, increased water uptake and onset of emaciation. The respiratory tract may also be involved, especially the air sacs.

Recognition of the disease:
Bacteriological examination of organ samples. Examination must take place within 24 hours of the pigeon dying, since normal enteric E coli bacteria can rapidly colonize the organs of the dead bird and thus make it difficult to demonstrate the actual causative organism. The appropriate medication for treatment is determined with the aid of an antibiogram.

Antibiotics are indicated with Baytril, Amoxicillin or Sulfas being commonly recommended. One needs to consider what is or might be the primary disease.

Hexamitiasis
Hexamitiasis is an intestinal disease of pigeons that is associated with muco-aqueous, or even bloody, feces.

Pathogen:
The flagellate, Hexamita columbae occurs in pigeon flocks mainly in the summer and autumn months. It primarily colonizes the rectum. Especially susceptible are newly weaned squabs, whose resistance is still low. Infected adult pigeons do not normally show visible signs of the disease, but can excrete the pathogen in large quantities in their droppings (chronic carriers). The incubation period is 4-5 days.

Symptoms of the disease:
Acute catarrhal (tar-like) or even bloody enteritis with liquid, rice water-like or mucoid, malodorous diarrhea.

Affected pigeons refuse feed and drink more water, resulting in emaciation and debility. Young birds in particular sometimes succumb so severely that the entire intestinal tract is involved and the soft or aqueous feces are mixed with blood.

Recognition of the disease:
Hexamita are demonstrated via microscopic examination in body-temperature smears from the intestinal mucosa of a recently killed, acutely affected pigeon. With extremely severe infestation, it is also possible to demonstrate the parasites in a cloacal swab from a live bird. They can be recognized from their characteristically rapid movements in a straight line - in contrast to trichomonads, which exhibit slow, circular movements around their own axis.

Treatment is the same as for canker, however treatment should be extended a couple days longer. Drugs for water medication are Ronidizole, Emtril, and Metronidazole. Carnidazole is helpful in treating individual affected birds.

Streptococcus Infection
Pathogens/Cause:
Bacteria, like streptococci (Streptococcus fecalis, Streptococcus gallinarum), staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus).

Streptococcosis is an uncommon acute or chronic bacterial disease that can occur in pigeons. Contaminated feed or water and infected birds transmit the streptococci. The bacteria enter through body openings and breaks in the skin. Generally only a few birds in a flock become infected at any one time.

Staphylococcus organisms occur worldwide. They commonly reside on the skin and mucous membranes without causing infection. The potential for bacterial infection largely resides in the degree of resistance that the host is capable of mobilizing. Eggs can also be contaminated prior to hatching from unsanitary nest material. These eggs fail to hatch or hatch weak chicks that die at 1-2 days of age.

Symptoms of bacterial infections:
Salmonellosis-like symptoms. Diarrhea, listlessness, paralysis, emaciation particularly in young pigeons. Abscess-like nodules in all organs, especially the intestine. In bumblefoot the ball of the foot is swollen and usually has a sore or scab on the bottom.

Antibiotics of choice would be cyclines, sulfas or LS-50. Baytril and amoxicillin would also work well but are stronger than usually needed.

Worm Infestation
Hairworms and roundworms are widespread in pigeon flocks, whereas tapeworms are less common. These worm types live as parasites in the small intestine of pigeons.

Pathogen:
The hairworm, Capillaria obsignata - a very slender, hair-like parasite - infests various poultry species in addition to pigeons. Hairworm eggs become infective in the environment after 8-9 days.

The pigeon roundworm, Ascaridia columbae, only occurs in pigeons. The eggs become infective in the environment after 2-3 weeks.

Two types of tapeworm, Hymenolepis columbae and Raillietina columbae, infest pigeons. Their emergence is dependent on suitable intermediate hosts (snails, beetles, ants), which they require in order to develop. Pigeons only become infected if they ingest an intermediate host. Tapeworms are fairly rare.

The interval between ingestion of infective worm eggs, sexual maturation of the new generation of worms and the first excretion of eggs in the feces is 5-6 weeks for roundworms, 3-4 weeks for hairworms and approx. 2 weeks for tapeworms. All types of worms may appear at the same time.

Symptoms of the disease:

Affected pigeons produce droppings of varying consistency 10-12 days after ingesting infective eggs or an intermediate host. Appetite is initially increased, but diminishes as infestation progresses. The birds lose weight. Heavily infested pigeons usually show impaired general condition and are listless and apathetic with dull, ruffled plumage. Adult birds may die suddenly in good flesh due to intestinal blockage.

Recognition of the disease:
Hairworm and roundworm infestation is identified by microscopic examination of fecal samples (prepared according to the flotation method). When the intestine is cut open during the cadaver examination, the yellowish-white roundworms are clearly visible, whereas the fine, white hairworms require a smear preparation, which is floated in a flat dish with a dark base. Tapeworm infestation is demonstrated by the identification of tapeworm

segments in the feces. These rice like segments are white or off white in color. In many cases, the intestinal mucosa also reveals inflammatory lesions and focal hemorrhages caused by the burrowing of parasites. This damage leads to secondary infections by E coli, Salmonella and others.

Ivomectins or Levamisol for hairworms and roundworms. It would be good to rotate dewormers so resistance will not develop. Use Droncit for tapeworms.

Note:
Pigeons should not be dewormed while they are rearing their young or during the main molt as some dewormers cause serious feather abnormalities.

Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is an infectious fungus disease of birds, animals and humans. It is usually characterized in the pigeon as a chronic infection of the lungs and air sacs. Another name for this disease is pneumomycosis.

Pathogen/Cause:
Aspergillus fungi. They grow as multicellular, fluffy mold colonies, free-living in the soil, on vegetation or parasitic living in or on birds, animals, and humans.

Symptoms of the disease:
Respiratory form: difficulty in breathing; greenish deposits on tongue and palate.

Recognition of the disease:
Cadaver examination:
Fungal lawn in lungs.
Microscopic examination of deposits and skin scrapings.

Elimination of the source of infection (e.g. moldy feed, moldy nest material), separation of affected birds. No treatment is recommended for Aspergillus respiratory infections in pigeons. Skin infections can be successfully treated with copper sulfate 1cc/gallon (1:2000 dilution).

Prevention:
A dry, well ventilated loft, good quality feed, administration of vitamins and minerals.

Adenovirus Infection
Infections caused by adenoviruses are widespread in birds and can lead to considerable losses, especially in young pigeons.

Pathogen:
Adenoviruses occur in a variety of types and strains, each with different pathogenic properties. They also show high levels of resistance in the environment, even to many disinfectants.

The pathogen is excreted in feces and saliva. Infection is transmitted primarily via contaminated feed and water, but can also be airborne or transmitted via hatching eggs. Adenoviruses multiply rapidly in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and intestine and also in the liver. The pigeon's organism responds to virus multiplication by forming specific antibodies. If these antibodies are not formed in time and in sufficient quantities, a disease outbreak occurs.

Adenoviruses often pave the way for other pathogens, such as E. coli, trichomonads, hexamita and fungi. They can complicate the course of a disease, which in many cases is actually responsible for the high losses.

Symptoms of the disease:
Reluctance to fly and reduced performance; impairment of the general condition; inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and intestine; mucoid feces (yellow-green puddles); vomiting after feeding and drinking due to inflammation of the crop mucosa (puffy crop); emaciation. All of the above signs can appear simultaneously within 24 hours. Affected birds rarely survive without treatment.

Recognition of the disease:
Since the pathological changes are frequently nonspecific it is only possible to make a tentative diagnosis. This is confirmed by microscopic demonstration of "inclusion bodies" in nuclei of invaded cells of the liver and infected mucosa. Inclusion bodies are produced by the virus during multiplication.

It is not possible to combat the adenovirus infection itself. However, it is necessary to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Haemophilus Catarrh
Pathogen/Cause:
Haemophilus bacteria ( Haemophilus gallinarum).
Infected, although apparently healthy poultry and pigeons, serve to spread the organism. Haemophilus is transmitted via the drinking water, which is contaminated with nasal discharge.

Symptoms of the disease:
Severe bilateral conjunctivitis with mucopurulent discharge. Extreme swelling of the eyelids ("owls head"). Catarrh symptoms.

Recognition of the disease:
Bacteriological examination of eye or nasal discharge.

Treatment:
Treat using a cycline with or without tylan for 10 days. LS-50 is another effective product. Antibiotic salve in the eye is also helpful.

Prevention:
Elimination of possible factors that reduce the bird's resistance to infection. Such factors may be: overcrowding in the loft, poor ventilation, lack of cleanliness, latent infections (e.g. ectoparasites, worm infestations, coccidial infection), excessive stress in breeding, deficient feed, poor water supply, stress during the show season.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis in pigeons is an old sporadic, widespread, contagious bacterial disease.

Pathogen/Cause:
Mycobacterium avium. In the Mycobacterium avium complex 20 serotypes are listed. Birds vary in their resistance to the different serotypes. Serotypes 1 and 2 predominate. In pigeons the infection may be ingested in dropping-contaminated soil, food, grit, or water.

Symptoms of the disease:
Insidious course of the disease over a period of weeks. Increasingly impaired general condition of some pigeons to the point of complete emaciation. Grayish-yellow caseous nodes, particularly in liver and spleen.

Treatment is not advised, since a cure is not possible. Tuberculosis is a serious disease and a human threat, consult you doctor if it is diagnosed in your birds.

Prevention:
If disease is suspected, tuberculin-test all birds. Destroy the affected pigeons.

Candida (Thrush)
Thrush is a common acute or chronic fungus infection especially of the digestive tract, and many times referred to as sour crop.

Pathogen/Cause:
Candida albicans, a yeastlike organism. Canker of the lower digestive tract can lead to a slowdown of crop emptying. This leads to an overgrowth of Candida and subsequent disease.

Symptoms of the disease:
Poor growth of young pigeons, accumulation in the crop; whitish fungal growths in the throat. Sour/sweet smell on opening the beak.

Recognition of the disease:
Microscopic examination of the fungal growths in the throat or crop smear.

Separation of affected birds. Nolvasan in the water. Nystatin orally to affected birds. Severely affected birds benefit from flushing the crop with a solution of water and baking soda. Fill the crop and turn the bird upside down and gently squeeze the contents out. Repeat until most of the contents are removed. Doing this removes the rotting material and most of the infection.

Prevention:
Improving the environment. Feeding fresh, good quality feed. Prevention or treatment of canker.

Wet droppings
The composition, appearance and smell of the droppings indicate the pigeons' state of health. Any change in the normal condition of the droppings provides the pigeon fancier with a serious indicator of any disturbance in the health of his or her birds.

Possible causes:
Change of weather, cold or wet conditions, drafts, loft temperature too low;

Psychological stress due to a change in the loft layout, exhibitions, vaccinations, transporting, change of feeding times, nervousness of individual pigeons;

Change of feed and intolerance of particular feeds (excessive ingestion of grit containing salt) can seriously disturb the fluid balance, with significant loss of water, minerals and trace elements.

Symptoms of the disease:
The contents of the gut normally thicken to such an extent during their passage that they leave the intestinal tract in a pasty form. When their

passage through the gut is accelerated, feces do not always thicken normally due to reduced resorption time. Similarly, it is not possible for the increased volume of urine that collects in the cloaca following excessive water intake to be adequately thickened. The feces in the cloaca are so diluted due to the surplus urine that defecation produces a condition known as "wet" droppings or diarrhea. This symptom can manifest suddenly and often only affects individual birds.

Recognition of the disorder:
Laboratory examination is recommended in order to rule out the possibility that the wet droppings are due to infectious agents or parasites.

Treat disease if found. Remove stress, pro-biotics with vitamins and electrolytes.

Ectoparasites:
Ectoparasites are widespread in pigeon flocks. They damage pigeon's in various ways.

Pathogens:
Feather lice, scaly-leg mites and body mange mites live permanently on infested pigeons, leaving them only to seek new hosts. Pigeon ticks, bird ticks and red bird mites attack pigeons only periodically at night to suck blood. Otherwise, they conceal themselves in cracks in the loft. They can transmit pathogens. Pigeon flies also live among the feathers on the bird. They can only over winter in the south. Pigeon flies are the main way malaria is spread.

Recognition of the disease:
Feather lice are visible in the pigeon's feathering with the naked eye. To assist detection, hold the pigeon against the light with its wing outspread.

Infestation with body mange mites and scaly-leg mites can be confirmed by microscopic examination of a scraping from inflamed skin.

Pigeon and bird ticks and red bird mites can be detected with the naked eye in cracks in the loft - ideally in the early hours of the morning, when the parasites leave the birds in search of a hiding place. They are also found under feeding troughs and nest bowls.

Prevent the spread of pathogens:
Mites (including red bird mites), ticks, fleas and lice (including plumage lice) can transmit infectious organisms in the same way as flies, mosquitoes and beetles. The loft and especially the cracks inhabited by vermin should be treated every few months.

Treat birds and loft with insecticides such as Malathion or Permethrin. Diatomaceous Earth also is effective. For further information on Diatomaceous Earth, click here.

Notes:
Clean feed and water vessels with hot water. Regular bathing in clean water - at least once a week - protects pigeons against parasite infestation.

Ectoparasites	Feather Lice	Pigeon Ticks	Bird Ticks	Red Bird Mites	Body Mange Mites	Scaley Leg Mites
Life Cycle	Sexually mature parasites live permanently on the bird	Invade pigeons at night and are blood parasites			Live permanently on the pigeons
Reproduction	Eggs laid in the pigeon's plumage	Reproduce in the cracks of the loft			In burrows of the outer skin; larvae are born	In burrows of the outer skin; lay eggs
Period of Development from Hatching	3 to 6 weeks	3 months to 3 years	7 to 8 weeks	5 to 7 days	3 weeks	3 to 6 weeks
Feeding On	Skin, scales, feathers	Blood			Tissue particles and body fluids
Life Span	Approximately 3 months	>3 years	>2 years	2 to 3 months, but remain viable up to 6 months without nutrition	2 to 3 months
Recognition	Feather Damage	Anemia in pigeons (nestlings, young birds)			Scaly dermatitis	Scabby deposits

The period of development and the lifespan of parasites is temperature-dependent so the times specified will vary accordingly.

Gout
Possible causes:
Water shortage, kidney damage, nutritional deficiency, nutritional excess.

Symptoms of the disease:
Nodular painful swelling of the joints. Liver and peritoneum, pericardium, air sacs appear as if dusted with lime (uric acid crystals). Kidneys swollen, interspersed with uric acid deposits.

Recognition of the disease:
Microscopic examination of the deposits (crystals).

Prevention:
Ensure adequate vitamin intake and exercise. Feed birds as required by performance, i.e. do not overfeed.

Pigeon Pox
Pox occurs in pigeons worldwide. Increased incidence of pigeon pox is observed in humid summer and warm winter weather.

Pathogen:
The pigeon pox virus produces typical skin and mucosal changes in pigeons. It is not infectious to humans or other mammals.

Symptoms of the disease:
There are two forms of pigeon pox:

In the skin form, birds develop scabby proliferations (pocks), especially where the outer skin meets the mucosa of the eye and beak region, and additionally on the legs. The virus penetrates the skin through minute lesions (scratches, peck lesions and insect bites). The pocks are clearly differentiated from the unchanged skin, but firmly attached to it. Do not remove them, due to risk of bleeding.

In the mucosal form, firmly attached deposits are formed on the mucosa of the crop and pharyngeal cavity. These can impede feed and water uptake and breathing.

The infection usually takes a benign course, providing the skin and mucosal changes - which can also manifest simultaneously - remain confined to the local infection sites. Their general condition is impaired if the virus enters the bloodstream and colonizes the internal organs. Pox disease lasts for around 3-4 weeks, or even several weeks or months in undernourished pigeons. Secondary bacterial infections may complicate the disease processes.

Recognition of the disease:
The two forms of pox can be identified relatively easily from the typical proliferations or deposits on the skin and mucosa. If the disease is suspected, confirmation is obtained by microscopic examination of affected tissue for so-called "Bollinger inclusions", which contain large quantities of the virus.

As with other viral diseases, it is not possible to combat pigeon pox itself. Healing can be hastened by applying a drying disinfectant such as iodine. In the event of a pox outbreak, emergency vaccination can be carried out on all pigeons that appear healthy, in order to prevent the disease from spreading. Visibly affected birds should be excluded from emergency vaccination and removed from the flock. Treat secondary infections as indicated. Cyclines are a good choice for mild secondary bacterial infections. Do not provide bath water.

Prevention:
Only active immunization or recovery from disease protects the pigeons. Vaccination is recommended yearly, preferably when there are no young in the nest. The vaccine is a live virus and can cause disease in nestlings. Use biting insect control.

Viruses (Herpes, Adeno, Circo) in diseases of young pigeons:
For a number of years there have been growing indications to suggest that different types of viruses proliferate in young pigeon flocks which are capable of triggering a wide variety of symptoms and resulting in considerable squab mortality. The cause of death usually tends not to be the virus itself, but the so-called secondary pathogens such as E coli bacteria or protozoa. Like newborn mammals, nestlings possess only very limited natural resistance. The critical time for the squabs is around weaning. It is during this phase that they are most vulnerable, partly because this is when they have to learn how to feed independently and partly because weaning causes stress among the squabs in the new loft. Stress promotes the spread of viruses and other pathogens. This is why it is advisable to vaccinate the squabs against paramyxovirus infection prior to weaning in order to guard against outbreaks of paramyxovirosis.

No vaccines are yet available against other types of viruses (e.g. Herpes virus, adenovirus, circovirus, etc). The only possible means of prevention is by boosting the squabs’ natural resistance (also referred to as its immune system). An important factor in the development of the squab’s natural resistance is their environment, i.e. the loft and its equipment. The loft must not be too densely stocked, since this causes stress in the birds. It is vital to ensure good ventilation and extraction of waste air. The loft should be clean and dry, but must not be sterile - i.e. constant disinfections prevent contact with microorganisms, against which the pigeon’s body should learn to defend itself.

Microorganisms multiply rapidly in warm, humid conditions. Infective pressure increases with the number of pathogens. Disease breaks out when the quantity of pathogens surpasses the pigeon’s capacity for resistance. In this situation, disinfections are absolutely essential in order to reduce the number of pathogens in the loft.

If possible, squabs should have access to aviaries so that they are always able to breathe oxygen-rich air, expose themselves to sunlight and clean their plumage in the rain.

Healthy squabs should never be given antibiotics as a preventive measure. The active ingredients in antibiotics disturb the development of the immune system, producing the opposite effect to that which is intended: natural resistance is not enhanced, but weakened. The need for essential substances (minerals, trace elements, vitamins, amino acids) is especially great during the growth period.

Salivary stones found in the beaks of pigeons
Occasionally, when examining pigeons, small hard white spots are discovered in the area of the crevice in the roof of the mouth and particularly in the rear part. Occasionally in pigeons these fine millet sized nodules are found singly and sometimes in groups of 10 or more. It was always assumed that they were small areas of trichomoniasis (canker) but by today's understanding that is not the case.

Cause:
It is commonly known that there are numerous small salivary glands in the mucus membrane of the pigeon's mouth, which secrete saliva so that the feed is slightly moistened to allow it to be more easily swallowed. To date it is not known what causes these little white spots which are hard and are known as salivary stones. By examining tissues and the chemicals of these spots or stones it has been proven in Holland that they consists of a mixture of mucus and fine small grains of parts of the cells from the salivary glands. These in turn are rolled into small hard balls and block up the openings of the ducts of the salivary glands. At first they appear to be gray but later they become white in color.

Experience has shown that no treatment has been successful. Surgical removal only leads to bleeding and damage to the mucus membrane. However, the health and performance of the pigeon is not affected.

Prevention:
At the first appearance of any colds which increase the heavy accumulation of mucus and inflammatory changes in the pharynx and along the throat, treatment against catarrh should be continuous until cleared of all symptoms.

Poisoning
Possible causes:
Insecticides, plant protection agents, artificial fertilizers etc.

Symptoms of the disease:
Sudden onset of paralysis, intractable diarrhea, loss of appetite, rapid loss of weight. Violent intestinal inflammation. Swelling of liver, spleen and kidneys. Hemorrhages in muscles and organs.

Recognition of the disease:
Case history. Cadaver examination. Demonstration of poison is possible in some cases.

Separate affected pigeons; irrigate crop; give activated charcoal, administer multivitamin with electrolytes for 5 days in the drinking water.

Haemoproteus (Malaria)
Haemoproteus is a blood parasite spread by pigeon flies. It is found primarily in the southern part of the United States as the pigeon fly can not live in the winter in cold climates.

Pathogen:
Haemoproteus is a protozoan parasite of red blood cells. It is spread by the bite of the pigeon fly, as the parasite develops in the fly’s salivary glands.

Symptoms of the disease:
The biggest concern with Haemoproteus is its affect on racing birds, however reduced performance can occur in other breeds as well. Infection results in decreased oxygen transport to the tissues. Infected cells are not destroyed, but the parasite displaces some of the oxygen carrying material. Open mouthed breathing after minimal exercise can be a sign, but is not diagnostic.

Recognition of the disease:
Blood smears will show the parasite in red blood cells.

Cure is not generally possible but a significant reduction in parasite numbers can be accomplished by treating with Quinacrine.

Prevention:
Prevention of pigeon flies is the best method of reducing the disease. In areas where pigeon flies are common routine treatment with insecticides minimizes problems.