Common
pigeon diseases:
This post is written by Dr.Mujahid Rouf all
about to pigeon diseases.
Pigeon are a surprisingly popular pet . They, along with
doves, are short-legged, stout bodies birds that are found almost everywhere in
the world in both the wild and our homes. As pets ,we care for their every need
, including treating the following
common diseases that they may get.
Pigeon
worms
Like many other types of animal ,pigeons can harbor various
kinds of worms in their intestine tract. Roundworms , tapeworms and hair worms
grow and live in the digestive tract of pigeons and can cause diarrhea,
weakness , increased susceptibility to other diseases and performance issues
in competitive pigeons. Sometimes you can see worms passed in the feces of a
pigeon but often times their eggs are found during a microscopic exam.
Pigeons get worms from eating insects and ingesting infected
droppings from other birds so it can be very difficult to prevent your pigeon
from getting worms.
Pigeon
cocciodia
Similar to worms, coccidia is an intestinal protozoan that
is found in pigeons and other animals and causes diarrhea, loss of nutrition
absorption and weight loss.
Coccidia is easily transmitted from pigeon to pigeon when
they ingest infected droppings and is often found in small,acceptable quantities
in most lofts. If a pigeon is acting normally and a small amount of coccidia is
found , it is often not treated.
Coccidia is a microscopic organism so you will not be able
to see it without a microscope. Other symptoms, they should receive medications
to treat it.
Pigeon
mycoplasma
Also a cause of respiratory infections, mycoplasma can
infect pigeons in their respiratory tract. The symptoms of a mycoplasma
infection are the same as those of achlamydia and other respiratory infections
so depending on pigeon will show symptoms of mycoplasma. Therefore, meaning a
clean, stress-free, ideal environment for your pigeon is crucial in keeping
your birds healthy.
Pigeon
canker
Canker is caused by a tiny organism called a protozoan. It is a disease that is easily transmitted from bird to bird but thankfully it is not able to survive outside of a bird for more than a few minutes. Pigeons pass it to other pigeons when they share water bowls, exhibit billing with other adult pigeons and feed young pigeons crop milk.
The organism that causes canker is typically found in a
pigeon;s crop, throat, bile duct , cloaca , proventriculus, or other parts of
the digestive tract.
Nodules from canker may also be found on the navel in a
nestling pigeon or in pigeon sinuses. Symptoms of canker will vary depending on
what part of the body it is found in but since it most commonly affect the
throat, most pigeons will have breathing difficulties due to the nodules on the
tonsils.
Pigeon
hexamita:
Very similar to the protozoan that causes canker in pigeons
. this organism is also found in the digestive tract of pigeons. Thankfully,
hexamita is not as serious for most pigeon as canker is but it is still
recommended to treat a bird that is diagnosed with it. The organism can be found microscopically in
feces and is often confused with canker due to their similar appearance.
Pigeon
Lice, Mites and Flies:
External parasites , such as lice , mites and flies are a
real bother to your pet pigeon. These annoying pests not only bite and irritate
your pigeon but they can also cause more serious damage. A scaly appearance to
the unfeathered areas of your pigeon ,tiny holes in the feather shafts and
itchy birds are all signs of external parasites. Depending on the type of parasite,
medicated sprays are typically used on a pigeon that is infected.
