The dove has long been a symbol of good news and purity. Today these amazing birds live next to us. Many major cities in Europe and the world cannot be imagined without these charming birds. Pigeons have become a kind of tourist attraction, as thousands of tourists seek to capture them through the lens of their camera.
Since these creatures are our neighbors, it is worth paying attention to the change in their behavior, because often this is the only way to determine that the bird is sick. Do not forget that there are pigeon diseases that are dangerous to humans. It is especially necessary for the owners of dovecotes to monitor their health, since infectious diseases can lead to the complete extinction of the livestock, as well as cause significant harm to human health.
When breeding birds, it is important to remember that, as in the case of humans, it is much easier to prevent an ailment than to treat it later. At the same time, the "sores" of birds are mostly widespread. That is, it will not be possible to get off with a slight fright (that is, the loss of 1-2 individuals). There are many diseases of various etiologies to which pigeons are predisposed. Their illnesses and treatment require a professional approach and timely medical assistance. This is what helps to preserve the bird population.
Ways of infection of birds
In order to be able to breed domestic pigeons, diseases and their treatment must be studied first. There are infectious and non-infectious diseases of birds. Young individuals are most susceptible to diseases, however, mature birds with improper care and insufficient feed can also become sick. When infected with infectious diseases, all birds are at risk.
Infection with infectious diseases can occur through direct and indirect contact. Any changes in the appearance of the bird and its behavior should definitely alert, since many diseases of pigeons are transmitted to humans and, in addition, threaten the death of the entire bird population.
Staphylococcosis in pigeons
Diseases and treatment of domestic pigeons can be very different, but various infections are most dangerous for these birds. Some of them are completely resistant to treatment. In this case, only competent prevention will help. The situation is complicated by the fact that infectious diseases of wild pigeons often affect domestic birds, and their treatment in this case will be more difficult.
Among infectious diseases, it is worth highlighting staphylococcosis, which is dangerous not only for pigeons, but also for many other species of poultry. It should be understood that the causative agents of this disease are divided into many different types, but they are all equally dangerous to birds. An outbreak of staphylococcosis can destroy most of the livestock, and it also happens that all birds die.
This disease is also dangerous because it spreads very quickly and is transmitted from sick birds, through contaminated food and drink, as well as sexually. In addition, this disease has not yet been fully understood, but it is known that the body cannot develop immunity against it.
One of the main symptoms of the disease is joint damage. As a result, it becomes very difficult for the bird to fly and walk.The incubation period lasts from 20 hours to several days, and the bird dies about 2 weeks after infection.
The symptomatology of this disease can be different, which is why it is possible to determine its presence only with the help of laboratory research.
Candidamycosis
The disease is caused by a fungus and affects the mouth and larynx. Young birds are most susceptible to the disease, old ones are distributors. For the onset of the disease, poor conditions of detention, reduced immunity, and improper feeding are enough. The bird is most often affected by poor grooming.
Symptoms:
- decreased appetite, weakness, diarrhea;
- mucous membranes secrete a mass similar to cottage cheese;
- the goiter becomes inflamed, cones are formed.
Prevention includes care and attention from the host. It is necessary to vaccinate pigeons in a timely manner, provide the bird with the necessary conditions for keeping.
For treatment, you can use common antibiotics: terramycin, biomycin. They give vitamins of groups A and B. You can use drugs of a narrow direction for pigeons, for example, nystatin. The poultry house must be treated with a formaldehyde solution, which is dissolved in caustic soda. A sick bird must be discarded as a carrier of fungal spores.
Paramyxovirus in pigeons
Diseases of pigeons and their treatment require an integrated, competent approach to solving the problem. The most common disease in these birds is considered to be paramyxovirus, which is popularly called a whirligig. This disease is characterized by the fact that almost from the very beginning of its onset there is a lack of coordination in pigeons and their paralysis. The death of individuals is possible on the 9th day from the moment of infection.
The disease proceeds in 3 stages, which is why it is very important to recognize its course at the very beginning and carry out complex treatment, as well as isolate infected birds. At the first stage, the pigeon refuses to eat, often drinks and sleeps. In the second stage, bird paralysis is observed, which occurs from top to bottom. Initially, she cannot move her neck, then her wings, and gradually paralysis covers the entire body. The infected bird throws its head back. This indicates that the nervous system and the brain are damaged. The danger is represented by internal hemorrhages and cerebral edema. In the last stage, very severe convulsions begin.
Treatment of birds with this disease is impossible, therefore it is important to isolate infected individuals in a timely manner and treat the dovecote with a formalin solution. In order to prevent infection, pigeons must be injected with a special vaccine, and prevention is carried out by using the drug "Albuvir".
This disease can provoke the onset of conjunctivitis in humans and inflammation of the lymph nodes, therefore, in contact with an infected bird, you must use a mask and gloves.
Twirl
The most common and destructive disease of pigeons - the whirligig - is capable of infecting all the pigeon livestock in a short time. It is caused by paramyxovirus, which, when ingested, causes paralysis and impaired coordination of movements in a bird. With a severe form of the course, inflammation of the brain may develop. The greatest danger lies in the possibility of internal hemorrhage in vital organs.
The carriers of the infection are sick domestic and wild birds. The virus is mainly transmitted by airborne droplets, but infection through drinking bowls and feeders is possible.
What are the hallmarks of this pigeon disease? Symptoms are specific and appear on the 4th-5th day of the disease. In sick birds, head throwing is noted, which is associated with damage to the nervous system.The infection spreads with lightning speed, in most cases, already on the 9th day of the disease, the death of the bird occurs.
There are stages in the development of the whirligig:
- The initial stage is a decrease in appetite, increased thirst, drowsiness, ruffled feathers.
- Paralytic stage - paralysis begins from the neck, then the wings and legs stop moving, the bird may fall, its head is thrown back.
- Severe cramps.
This is a very dangerous disease of pigeons for humans. The whirligig can affect the lymph nodes and cause the development of conjunctivitis.
The disease is not treatable. There is a set of specially developed preventive measures that helps prevent the massive spread of infection:
- A diseased bird must be removed from the dovecote immediately. The room should be disinfected with 5-10% bleach solution or 3% formalin solution.
- Young pigeons need to be vaccinated on day 30 of life. Vaccines "Bor-74", "La-Sota" are used at the rate of 2 drops of the drug 2 times a day for 1 bird for 5 days.
Pigeon psittacosis
Every breeder of these birds should definitely know what are the diseases of pigeons, symptoms and treatment. One of the most difficult diseases is psittacosis, which is provoked by a virus and affects the respiratory tract of a bird. At the initial stage, the disease is very difficult to diagnose, since the pathological process can proceed without external signs.
Gradually, the bird begins to develop bronchial inflammation and a runny nose. Nasal discharge looks like thick mucus. At the same time, the pigeon begins to wheeze, refuses to fly. He develops severe drowsiness, he dramatically loses weight. The bird's eyes become inflamed, reddened and swollen. As a result, the bird avoids light and has severe lacrimation.
This disease is highly contagious and is transmitted through water, food, droppings, and eye discharge. For treatment, antibiotics are prescribed, and supportive therapy with vitamins is required.
Psittacosis: Symptoms and Treatment
For pigeons, psittacosis is considered a very dangerous disease that affects the respiratory system and can quickly cause death (Figure 2).
In sick pigeons, psittacosis is manifested by such symptoms as wheezing, difficulty breathing, mucous membranes appear from the beak and nostrils, and soon purulent discharge, lacrimation and conjunctivitis. In addition, they shake their heads, sneeze, make wheezing noses and constantly suffocate. Also, birds do not eat well, which causes general weakness and diarrhea, paralysis of the wings and legs.
Note: Without specific care and treatment, the pigeons become severely depleted and die in a few days.
If you find symptoms of psittacosis in a pigeon, treatment should be started immediately. First of all, the bird is isolated from others and the dovecote is intensively disinfected. It is recommended to change the flooring and wash the walls well.
Figure 2. Symptoms of psittacosis
Various antibiotics are used to treat psittacosis. At the end of the course of antibiotics, vitamins are given to the bird to restore the condition. The pigeon is constantly given clean, fresh water. The eyes are washed with clean water, then instilled. You also need to clear your nostrils and ear canals.
Do not forget to handle the room and the cage where the pigeon is kept. Cleaning is carried out at least three times a day. When contacting a sick bird, you need to be careful, since psittacosis is dangerous for humans.
Smallpox in pigeons
It is important for pigeon breeders to know exactly what diseases can be. The treatment of domestic pigeons should also be well studied, as this will allow timely recognition of the existing symptoms and, if possible, save the bird or prevent mass infection.Smallpox is quite often observed in young pigeons, the causative agent of which is a pigeon-type ultravirus.
Mature individuals are much less susceptible to infection, they can only be carriers of the disease. Infection can occur through insects, carriers of the virus, water and droppings. In the absence of timely comprehensive treatment, the disease becomes chronic, but if the bird is cured in time, then it develops lifelong immunity.
Often, pigeons start to get sick in spring and summer. The incubation period lasts 15 days. The first sign is damage to the mucous membranes and skin. There are several types of smallpox, on which the existing symptoms depend. It is possible to distinguish such forms of the disease as:
- diphtheria;
- smallpox;
- mixed.
In the diphtheria form, neoplasms appear in the pharynx and on the oral mucosa. Gradually, they become as large as possible and very painful. As a result, the pigeon simply cannot close its beak, and then the infection occurs in the eyes and nose.
With the course of the smallpox form of the disease, red spots form on the head and neck of the bird, and then gradually move under the wings and on the paws. With a mixed form, signs of both types of the disease are observed at the same time.
For the treatment of smallpox, various medications are used, depending on the location of the lesions.
Tuberculosis
Pigeon tuberculosis manifests itself in the form of lesions in various tissues and organs of the bird. You can see clear signs in the photo of the disease of pigeons. Their treatment is carried out in accordance with the existing symptoms. Depending on the route of infection, bacteria penetrate into the mucous membrane of the affected organ and eventually spread to all nearby organs and systems of the bird.
The symptoms of the disease can be very different, it all depends on the infection of certain organs. Among the main features are such as:
- inactivity;
- weight loss;
- lameness;
- swelling on the soles of the feet;
- diarrhea.
Infected pigeons are considered the source of infection. Also dangerous are the secretions of birds and direct contact with them. For treatment, drugs such as "Ampicillin" and "Oxytetracycline" are used. If the signs of tuberculosis are too pronounced, the pigeon should be killed and the poultry house disinfected.
How to protect yourself from diseases?
A few simple rules will help you prevent infection that can be transmitted through contact with a pigeon.
- Always wash your hands after handling animals, before preparing food, before eating, after each contact with the ground.
- Use gloves when working in the garden or vegetable garden.
- Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating.
- Protect food from insects.
- Periodic medical examination and testing is recommended.
In conclusion, it should be emphasized that birds can be carriers of dangerous diseases, but they can be easily avoided simply by following the rules of personal hygiene.
Paratyphoid pigeons
Pigeons are considered very beautiful and useful birds. Their illnesses and treatment require close enough study so that the problem can be dealt with in a timely manner. A fairly common infectious disease is paratyphoid fever, which is caused by one of the types of Salmonella. With the course of this disease, the bird shows apathy to everything that happens, it develops severe drowsiness, thirst, lack of appetite and loose stools. Diarrhea is characterized by a characteristic foamy discharge.
The disease is very contagious, adults can be a source of infection for a long time. For treatment, sulfa drugs are used. Infected individuals are removed or killed.
Classification of diseases of pigeons and pigeons
Infectious diseases of pigeons include:
- Newcastle disease (whirligig);
- psittacosis;
- smallpox;
- trichomoniasis;
- salmonellosis;
- tick infestation;
- coccidiosis;
- helminthic invasions;
- tuberculosis;
- candidiasis;
- infectious inflammation of the goiter.
Non-communicable diseases:
- non-infectious goiter inflammation;
- fractures.
Separately, it is worth noting diarrhea in pigeons, which is not caused by any of the above infections. Poultry farmers have to deal with such a disease quite often, and this problem requires a special approach to treatment.
Trichomoniasis
Many diseases of pigeons (their symptoms are thoroughly studied) are quite severe and have a high probability of death, in particular, such as trichomoniasis. Infected individuals have a very poor appetite, their temperature rises. The bird has very heavy breathing, there are problems with swallowing, and the goiter increases. In addition, fluid is often released from the beak, and severe stool disorder is observed.
When the upper part of the esophagus is affected, the bird's throat is deformed and a seal forms. Infection can occur through food and water. For treatment, the birds are given bread with the addition of "Trichopol" or "Orazola". In adults, the disease is often chronic.
Parasites in pigeons
Non-communicable diseases can also cause a lot of trouble, especially if they are associated with the presence of various parasites in the bird. Lice, worms and feather eaters can cause a lot of inconvenience.
The feather eater is analogous to pet lice. This is a very dangerous parasite that causes a lot of unpleasant sensations in the bird. The feather-eater is very harmful to young birds with soft and delicate plumage. Birds can even die of soreness and exhaustion. It is worth noting that pain relievers often do not bring the required relief, so you need to fight parasites in a timely manner.
In pigeons, the skin begins to dry and peel off, they become weaker and more vulnerable to many other diseases. To get rid of parasites, it is necessary to timely process the feathers of infected birds. There are many drugs that are completely safe for pigeons.
Worms can cause severe inconvenience to the bird, although signs of infection with them can be completely invisible externally. With prolonged exposure to worms on the body of a bird, it becomes more lethargic, its plumage fades and the pigeon greatly loses weight. Worms can be seen in the droppings. To eliminate parasites, it is recommended to use the same means as for pets, however, the dosage is calculated based on the weight of the bird.
By the way
How to scare away pigeons? If they love your balcony, try hanging old CDs from the ceiling. They will glare in the sun and scare the pigeons. Hardware stores sell bird spikes - the metal structure needs to be secured to the windowsill so the pigeons won't sit by your window.
There are ultrasonic scarers (they emit a squeak that is hard to hear for humans, but frightening birds) and bioacoustic ones, which broadcast the sounds of birds of prey - hawks, falcons, eagles. Such, by the way, are in Moscow at some metro stations.
Pigeons do not tolerate the smells of pepper, mustard and cinnamon - sprinkle with spices on the windowsill.
Real predators are used in airports and granaries. So pigeons understand that it is unsafe in this area. But as soon as the threat is removed, the birds return again.
Pigeon candidiasis
Thrush in pigeons is a fungal disease that affects the upper digestive tract. The fungus forms a white film as it spreads in the mouth. In this case, painful sensations arise that make the bird refuse food.She is depressed and is losing weight a lot.
This disease is caused by severe dampness in the poultry house. Sick birds are placed in a separate cage, white plaque is removed and the room where the sick individuals were located is disinfected.
Signs of the first symptoms
There are a great many varieties of diseases in all living things on Earth. People have learned to identify each one according to certain signs and symptoms, the owner of the poultry house should know them. Pigeons tend to look unimportant at the slightest bacterial exposure and behave in an unusual way.
Sick pigeon
This is manifested:
- poor appetite, complete rejection of feed
- poor plumage up to its complete loss
- lethargy
- mucous membranes become inflamed
- breathing becomes difficult, which is why the beak does not close
- movements become uncharacteristic with poor coordination
Even a farmer who is ignorant of veterinary medicine will immediately notice behavior uncharacteristic for a healthy bird; it cannot even hold the wing, and it falls to the floor. A specialist should be invited to the poultry house so that he correctly diagnoses the condition of the pets, prescribes medications.
Coccidosis in pigeons
Some diseases of pigeons cannot be determined by photos and external signs, since they require a deeper diagnosis. Such diseases include coccidosis. The causative agent of the disease - coccidia affects the intestines and develops in it. To protect against this disease, it is important to maintain a high level of immunity in birds.
The main symptoms of this disease are considered to be severe diarrhea mixed with blood, lack of appetite, weakness and weight loss. The therapy is carried out using antibiotics. It is important that the feed with the addition of drugs is eaten throughout the day, as it cannot be left on the next day.
Coccidiosis
The infection (a unicellular parasite of coccidia) enters the intestinal tract of pigeons and infects it. External signs do not appear for a long time. With strong immunity, birds are not exposed to coccidiosis. While in the dovecote, the infection can get into the intestinal section of the weakened birds.
Symptoms:
- diarrhea appears;
- the bird loses its appetite against the background of general malaise;
- joints are paralyzed (bumps may appear);
- pigeons become weak, feathers bristle.
Treatment is carried out with the help of Zoalen, Furagin, Koktsidin, Sulfaquinoxolone and many other drugs. Treatment with these agents causes vitamin deficiency, therefore, during therapy, it is necessary to use vitamin supplements.
Conjunctivitis in pigeons
Quite often there is an eye disease in pigeons - conjunctivitis. The main symptoms of eye inflammation in birds are:
- puffiness and redness of the eyes and eyelids;
- full or partial closure of the palpebral fissure;
- photophobia;
- various discharge from the eyes;
- sticking of the eyelids.
Diseases of the eyes of pigeons and their treatment are quite complicated, since with an incorrect diagnosis or therapy, various kinds of complications can arise. Conjunctivitis develops as a result of dust and dirt getting into the eyes, as well as in the presence of diseases of the internal organs. The mucous membrane of the eye can become inflamed in the cold season. A sick pigeon must be isolated from healthy individuals so that the disease does not spread.
If the disease has arisen due to a lack of vitamins or improper nutrition, you need to feed the birds with a balanced feed. The pigeon's eyes are washed with a solution of boric acid or zinc sulfate.
Thrush
This disease, like many others, is predominantly susceptible to young growth. The disease is a consequence of the spread of yeast colonies in the oral cavity. As a result, a white film forms in the mouth of the pigeons, which makes it difficult to eat. The birds are in pain.Feathers sick with thrush can stop eating altogether and die from exhaustion.
Foreign formations must be manually removed, and then the wounds must be treated with iodine and glycerin.
Carrying out the treatment of pigeons
Every breeder should know what pigeon diseases (and their treatment) exist. Medicines are prescribed depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease. When diagnosing coccidosis, mycoplasmosis or salmonellosis, antibacterial drugs are used. In particular, "Tetracycline" or "Oxytetracycline" is prescribed. Medicines are available in the form of tablets or powder. In addition, combined antibacterial drugs are used, for example, Etazol, Enrostin.
With the course of smallpox, streptococcal infection or spirochetosis, drugs such as "Bicillin" or "Ekmonovocillin" are used for therapy. "Tylosin" or "Erythromycin" will help against pneumonia and psittacosis.
"Nystatin" will help to get rid of thrush, external parasites, and inflammatory processes of the skin. Albendazole-based drugs are good for worms. When using medicines, it is imperative to study the instructions for them.
Worms
Parasites enter the body of birds along with poor-quality feed or with improper keeping of pigeons. As a result, immunity decreases, symptoms of the disease appear.
External signs of worms:
- feathers lose their shine and color, become disheveled;
- loss of appetite;
- weight loss;
- diarrhea appears.
In advanced stages, paralysis of damaged joints appears, bleeding occurs. If untreated, death is possible.
Young animals are most often susceptible to helminthic diseases. Helminthiasis causes a delay in development, the cyclical process of changing feathers is disrupted.
Medicines containing albendazole are used to get rid of parasites. The most common and widely available remedy is Alben, which can be bought at any veterinary pharmacy. The dosage is indicated in the instructions for use.
The use of drugs
Treatment and prevention of diseases of pigeons are carried out using the most effective drugs. For the treatment and prevention of viral diseases, "Albuvir" is widely used, since thanks to its composition it is possible to quickly and effectively suppress viruses.
The drug is very easily absorbed when taken orally, and after a few hours it cannot be detected in eggs or meat. The drug "Albuvir" is widely used in such diseases as:
- anemia;
- whirligig;
- infectious bronchitis.
The medicine is effective absolutely at all stages of the course of viral diseases. It is worth noting that viruses cannot adapt to it. Some time after taking the medicine, the bird's well-being significantly improves. It should be noted that it cannot be mixed with other medicines.
The drug "Sulteprim" is a pro-microbial agent used for the treatment of infectious diseases. Due to the composition of the medicinal product, it is possible to eliminate various pathogens of diseases. The components of the drug are very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and spread to all tissues and organs.
The drug "Gentamicin" is used to combat gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. This drug is quite effective in the fight against viruses, fungi, bacteria. The drug is used to treat birds with gastrointestinal diseases provoked by microorganisms of bacterial etiology, in particular salmonellosis and colibacillosis.
Getting rid of diseases by folk methods
If it is not possible to immediately apply drug treatment, breeders use their tried and tested methods of getting rid of many pigeon misfortunes.
Rowan, black currant, nettle leaves hung in the dovecote help against beriberi. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, which cleanse the stomach, can destroy worms. The medicinal infusion of dandelion color normalizes the work of the gastric tract.
The poultry farm is watered with chamomile broth, drinkers are filled with it. Experienced pigeons advise to dilute the liquid with apple cider vinegar. It contains many vitamins, minerals, works as an antiseptic. The liquid should be diluted in proportions of 1 liter - 2 tablespoons. vinegar. Only chicks need to be limited in such a drink, until they grow up, it is enough for them to consume a couple of times a week.
Any of the methods is good as a temporary measure of use or as an adjunct to the main treatment. A doctor called at home will always professionally assess the situation, determine the weak spots in the dovecote, if the pets began to get sick often. Preventive measures are an important point in protecting pigeons from epidemics and death.
Rowan helps with vitamin deficiency
The main features in a reliable farm should be:
- cleanliness within sanitary standards
- periodic disinfection (once a year)
- timely vaccination
Every owner should be given special attention to vaccination. This will relieve the dovecote of disease problems. To do this, there are special tools that help the body produce antibodies that destroy infections.
Feeding also plays an important role. If the farmer uses wet mixed food, the troughs need to be cleaned after each feed. Such a mishmash quickly becomes rotten, which adversely affects the stomach.
The symptom of the disease leads to a quarantine requirement, except for non-communicable reasons. Only a specialist in this field can judge the threat of danger, the breeder is able to determine the ailment that is clear even to a non-professional (limb injury).
The need to love your pigeons is not worth mentioning, since a person will not be engaged in a flock if he does not have a special vocation for this.
Treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in pigeons - on video:
The use of folk techniques
When breeding these birds, it is imperative to study what diseases of pigeons exist, and their treatment with folk remedies, since they are completely natural and do not provoke side effects. It should be noted that not all diseases can be cured by means of alternative medicine.
Treatment of diseases of pigeons at home is carried out using such folk remedies as:
- infusion of chamomile flowers;
- raw pumpkin seeds;
- garlic vegetable oil.
Chamomile infusion is characterized by a cleansing and anti-inflammatory effect, especially if it is brewed with calendula. Garlic vegetable oil is used in the fight against helminths, just like raw pumpkin seeds.
In case of diseases of pigeons, their treatment with folk remedies can bring very good results, especially if they are used correctly. However, it is worth remembering that in this way it is impossible to get rid of the disease forever. To prevent recurrence of diseases, it is imperative to carry out a number of disinfecting measures throughout the house.
Any disease is characterized by certain signs, so it is important to recognize the diseases of pigeons in a timely manner. In this case, home treatment will be much faster and easier.
Victims of epidemics
Often on the streets you can see dead or dying, barely moving pigeons. What's the matter? “The high mortality rate is most often due to epidemics or respiratory diseases,” explains the ornithologist. That is, the birds lying on the asphalt are most likely sick, you cannot touch them or allow the child to approach them.
At the same time, there is no serious danger for the livestock of pigeons from such local epidemics: this decline only maintains the population in the city at the same level. “All conditions have been created here for birds to breed all year round. Pigeons are very adapted to the conditions of life in the city. They feed on plant seeds in parks, as well as garbage, which people provide them in large quantities, - says Maria Markina. - But in nature there is still a mechanism for regulating the number, that is, a certain territory cannot feed a large number of individuals. It turns out that urban epidemics are a kind of natural selection mechanism. "
