immune
systems
are
more
likely
to
develop
histoplasmosis. An infected person cannot transmit the disease to another human being.
-Cryptococcosis is a fungal caused disease. This fungus
grows in pigeon droppings and in soil. In general, this disease targets people with compromised immune systems.
-Psittacosis or Parrot Fever is a rare infectious disease that affects birds including pigeons. Inhalation (dry droppings through dust) is the primary method of transmission. Symptoms of infected persons include fever, headache, rash, chills, and less commonly pneumonia. Symptoms usually occur after 10 days of infection. Because this is a bacterial based disease treatment entails the use of antibiotics. (Important Note: If you suspect infection DO NOT us my list to diagnose yourself or anyone else.
You must seek professional medical advice. In the case of pigeons a veterinary medical diagnosis is called for.
-Cleaning windowsills generally does not pose a threat of infection.
-Wear protective gear including face mask, rubber gloves and long clothing.
-A single purpose dust pan (DO NOT USE IT FOR ANY OTHER
KIND OF CLEANING). Dust pan must be thoroughly cleaned
immediately after the job is done.
-Spray the pigeon droppings with water. DO NOT wash the poop away with high-powered water. This will only scatter the droppings.
-Spraying the pigeon droppings with water should eliminate air borne dust transmission. Make sure that all is sprayed.
-Scrape the pigeon droppings into the dustpan. Make sure there are no leftovers.
-DO NOT touch any of the droppings, even if you are wearing
protective gloves.
-Throw the pigeon droppings into a garbage bag. But first ensure that the bag does not have any holes or rips in it. Use a double bag if you want.
-Make sure the garbage back is securely shut.
-Place the garbage bag in a safe area.
-Remove your clothing and wash everything immediately.
-Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly.
Like humans and other animals, pigeons do get ill. Below is
a brief/basic list of serious problems to look out for. Do not 60
use this list as a professional guide or diagnostic or treatment tool. Always seek professional help if necessary.
-Trichomoniasis (Canker): The most prevalent disease in
racing pigeons. The name canker is the name generally used by the majority of pigeon fanciers.
The majority of pigeons are carriers of trichomonads which live in the mucous of the beak and throat. However, most pigeons do not show any symptoms.
Diseased pigeons perform a swallowing-like action over and over
again,
are
apathetic
especially
regarding
flying;
diarrhoea, discolouration in the beak, throat and crop (yellow coloured), necrotic material may appear in the mouth, oesophagus and skull, weakness and weight loss, marked increase in consumption of water and in serious cases the liver and other internal organs will be affected.
Water sights shared by other pigeons and infected parents feeding their young help spread trichomoniasis. Infected parents should be kept away from their chicks.
Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease cause by protozoa.
Eimeria columbanum and Eimeria labbeanna are the 2 types of coccidiae that produce illness in pigeons.
Young pigeons and pigeons that have not had low levels of exposure to Coccidiae in the past and ‘overly stressed out’
pigeons are likely to become ill. Coccidiae is a very serious and dangerous illness that can severely harm pigeon flock populations. Conditions that are warm, moist, low hygiene and inadequate ventilation increases Coccidiae prevalence. This is a highly infectious disease.
Affected pigeons may appear slouched or bent in posture, visible reduction in weight, ruffled feathers, little or no longing to eat or drink, reduced movement and not wanting to fly. Cleanliness of living quarters, food, water and bowls is essential.
Psittacosis or Parrot Disease is an infectious disease that
can be acquired by humans and pigeons, and other bird species.
Psittacosis
is
caused
by
Chlamydia
psittaci,
a
microorganism belonging to the genus Chlamydia.
The mode of transmission is through inhalation of the
urine, fecal matter or respiratory secretions of an infected bird are airborne. In addition contact of an infected area of a bird or a bird bite are other methods of transmission.
The dormancy period of Psittacosis in a bird usually ranges
from a few days to 2 weeks. Common symptoms include unusual lethargy or sleepiness, prolonged shivering, convulsions, weight loss due to loss of appetite and illness, cracking sound emanating from lungs; droppings that are black or tarry, green 61
or diarrhoea. Although this is primarily a lung disease it can also affect other organs.
Humans who work with birds on a consistent and regular basis are most at risk of becoming infected.
Pigeon or other bird species owners must clean the living quarters at least once daily. Food and food and water bowls must be cleaned regularly.
Humans with psittacosis may develop symptoms from a few days to 2 weeks after infection. The symptoms are high fever, joint pain, chills, cough, excessive nose bleeding, muscle and chest pain, increased sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, enlarged spleen, lethargy, loss of strength and noticeable intolerance to light.
Mycoplasmosis also spelled microplasmosis is an infection caused by bacteria and virus.
Pigeons that have successfully been treated attain immunity but can pass the illness onto their youngsters.
Symptoms of Mycoplasmosis in pigeons include discharge from the nose, abhorrent breath, a noticeable reduction in flying ability, rejection of flying, crop inflammation, gray scabs inside the mouth and laboured breathing.
Better hygiene and eliminate pigeon crowding, clean food and water.
Salmonella are gram negative bacteria (GNT do not keep
possession of crystal violet dye in the gram staining protocol) can infect pigeons, other birds and animals, and humans. There are roughly nearly 2000 species.
Free-ranging birds can be sub-clinical carriers (early
stages of a disease; no visible symptoms), thereby being a
‘storage area’ and possible ‘transporter’ of salmonella. Other possible vectors or ‘transporters’ of salmonella include mice, rats and quite possibly flies.
Imported or new birds that are infected can wreak havoc upon entering a flock or being introduced into flock by pigeon fanciers, or any other person or group that owns birds. Multiple pigeon owners should quarantine new birds, ensure they’re not infected with salmonella or any other infectious agent before introducing them into their flock or normal housing pigeon loft or coop.
The bacteria is done mostly through the air; mucous
secretion in the nasal area, droppings, and feather dust. Food and water can also be infected. In addition, infected mothers when feeding their young pose a serious danger.
Symptoms of salmonella in pigeons include overall lethargy including but not limited to the flying drive, visible weight loss, diarrhoea, watery droppings, arthritis (in serious cases involving pigeons)and swollen and overly sensitive legs. In 62
grave cases unusual thirst, conjunctivitis, neurological damage or organ damage can occur.
Proper hygiene and regular cleaning of housing, food bowls and water bowls. Food and water must be clear of droppings.
E Coli are usually dormant, non-dangerous inhabitants of the intestines of humans, birds and other animals. However, there are dangerous and potentially deadly strains.
E Coli infection is caused by Escherichia coli. These
specific
strains
(called
serotypes)
of
the
bacteria
are
identified in special labs.
The toxicity of the serotype is a factor in resulting
disease. Some of these strains can produce very serious illness resulting in serious organ damage or failure. Some E Coli serotypes can get around or avoid the immune system of the pigeon.
E Coli infection can be primary or secondary in nature.
Primary infection refers to the serotype being the sole cause of the disease. Secondary infection means that there is another primary
cause
such
as
poor
nutrition,
elevated
stress,
overcrowding, or another medical condition.
E Coli symptoms include loose watery droppings, vomit,
greenish coloured droppings, weight loss, drooping wing, joint pain,
crop
doesn’t
empty
properly,
difficulty
breathing,
inability or severe unwillingness to fly, paralysis, and sudden death.
E Coli stool tests must be well-preserved and given to qualified persons for examination. Non-preserved stool samples will likely have elevated E Coli levels from overexposure.
E Coli symptoms in pigeons are identical to symptoms found in other diseases. Therefore, as always, seek professional help when needed. If you aren’t a professional it would not be a good idea to officially diagnose your pigeon/s.
Good hygiene, cleaning of the water and food bowls
regularly is always important.
Pigeon Pox is a viral disease (poxyvirus group) in which pigeons are potentially affected by.
The most prevalent method of transmission is from mosquito bites (mosquitoes penetrate the skin of the ‘target’ with a syringe-like tool within the mouth; may or may not contain venom).
Mosquito bites occurring in featherless parts of the body will be more visible. Racing pigeons with this kind of a bite will have to be put to rest until they return to a healthy state. This form of pigeon pox affects the skin by the appearance of pox.
The mucous form of infection is more serious. The pox
develops on the crop and the pharyngeal cavity. Eating, drinking 63
and breathing can be dangerously affected. Visible weight loss and an overall appearance of sickliness are apparent. You can see unnatural growth in scabby fissures usually on the eyelid and beak angle; sometimes elsewhere on the body.
In flocks, healthy looking pigeons should be vaccinated.
Unhealthy or infected pigeons should be removed from the flock without delay.
Pigeons are not carriers or transmitters of avian flu.
However, if a pigeon were to come into contact with infected droppings from a flock of birds the droppings could become a dangerous carrier agent.
Pigeon mites, also referred to as bird mites or avian mites
are parasites that consume the blood of warm-blooded (blood temperatures 98 Fahrenheit to 112 Fahrenheit; 37 Centigrade to 44 Centigrade) mammals and birds.
Pigeon nests containing squabs will probably be overrun
with pigeon mites.
As soon as the squabs and mother empty out the nest the pigeon parasites move on to new pastures. Pigeon mites in apartment buildings or other human establishments also pose a risk of infesting humans and companion animals.
Whenever handling a sickly pigeon, you must observe
personal hygiene at all times; wear gloves, surgical mask (if needed) and always wash your hands and the area immediately after use.
Below are general signs to look for in a pigeon or other bird species regarding general health. This list below is for potential bird buyers and should not be used as a professional diagnostic tool. Be advised however, that birds can be tricky, hiding weakness or illness. In the jungle weakness is what predators love.
-The bird should be active, energetic and attuned to its surroundings.
-Should be interested in people; no cowering away or
freaking out when approached by a human.
-A
bird
that
appears
sleepy,
groggy,
or
otherwise
uninterested in moving may be sick.
-The eyes should appear clean, shiny and free of any
discharge or squinting.
-Nostrils should be clear, with no crusting in or around the area.
-Breathing should be steady and without labouring.
-The beak should look healthy without any gaps or
breakings.
-If choosing a young bird wait until it is at the age where
it should be fully-feathered. Feathers should appear shiny and 64
healthy. Lutino Cockatiels sometimes have a feather-free spot behind the crest. Otherwise, bald spots or unhealthy looking feathers may indicate illness.
-Check the region covering and surrounding the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems for dirt, fecal material, matted feathers, cuts or any other abnormalities.
-The keel bone (a bone that runs down the front of a bird) should slightly protrude. Too much or too little protrusion may indicate illness or a problem with the bird’s diet.
-Ask if you can hold the bird. Although the bird may
initially be apprehensive it should eventually accept you. If the bird freaks out this may not be the bird for you, unless you don’t want to ever hold it or get too close to it. Pigeons have short feet and foot toes, both of which are delicate. Watch your grip!
-Healthy birds should eat normally. Try to view the bird when it is eating.
-Droppings should never be bloody.
Although pigeons, especial feral ones are physically
resilient they still become sick, sometimes coming down with serious diseases.
Other than pigeons’ droppings, humans are for the most part
are not infected by pigeon diseases. Pigeons, unlike most other companion animals and animals within urban areas DO NOT attack humans. Nor do they ever inflate their bodies to us in a show of aggression or defiance. If you live in an urban area with a good-sized pigeon population you’ve probably seen a child chasing off and shouting at pigeons. In this scenario, all of the pigeons scamper away.
Wild pigeons’ worst nightmare is the peregrine falcon and also other birds of prey.
Urban pigeons often endure injuries and accidents, the most
common are being squashed, broken legs or broken wings. Cat attacks are another serious problem, and to a lesser extent window collisions. Pigeons are low on the predatory scale.
Almost no other animal species fears them. They may be able to bully a tiny city bird during feedings but I’ve personally never seen a pigeon go after or physically attack one.
‘Homeboy pigeons’ (living under the care of humans and
being directly fed by them) may have a hard time if they are thrown out of ‘their home’. Some of these pigeons cannot adapt; they may die of starvation or dehydration.
If you find an orphaned pigeon and want to personally help it, as a minimum you should do the following:
65
-Ensure that the orphaned pigeon is taken to a safe and warm place.
-It can be placed in a well-ventilated cardboard box
-A right light bulb should be included.
-Call your local humane society or bird rescue centre.
-If for some reason you can’t find help or you want to help
raise the orphan pigeon ensure that it is fed 4 times a day.
Syringe feeding may be necessary, and do not forget that you are feeding a youngster not an adult. Keep plenty of fresh water on hand.
-Moisten food, and gently insert it into the orphaned
pigeon’s beak. DO NOT forcefully shove food into its mouth.
-Stop feeding when the crop appears well-filled or rounded or when the orphaned pigeon appears disinterested. The crop is located in the throat. It is used like a cheek pouch, to store food that cannot be digested for the moment. This is a good safety measure; swallowing food quickly for safety reasons.
-Remember, when nestlings eat, they ‘insert’ their beaks deep into the parent’s throat.
-When it is fully-feathered place it in a secure and safe area outdoors.
-Allow the bird to fly around. When it appears strong
enough kindly transport it to an area converged with pigeons and away from danger.
Sickly urban pigeons may puff their feathers in the cold.
It may make a haphazard attempt at getting away or may make no attempt whatsoever if a human approaches it and tries to pick it up.
Sickly urban pigeons often appear out of place; after
sunset, alone, cowering under a bench or just standing ‘there’
all by itself and doing nothing. This is very dangerous because even without any wild animals in the area (not very likely; raccoons are opportunistic creatures and readily come out at night), dog owners take their dogs out for walks and cats (house cats and feral cats) can also spot a sickly pigeon. Often times, a sickly urban pigeon can’t fly. Without the ability to fly, even an otherwise healthy pigeon is literally a dead goose.
Limping, appearing listless, or sickly are magnets for
predators. Not to mention the deviant humans who’ll take the opportunity to attack and kill the helpless pigeon.
This pigeon may have dried blood around its head or body.
It’s sad but healthy pigeons in a flock may bully a sickly pigeon. Breaks, fractures, shock, pellets, injuries sustained from predator attacks, general illness, extreme thirst or dehydration or starvation, persecution or culling are other potential problems.
66
Dead pigeons, whether squashed by a vehicle or ‘normal
bodied’ dead are generally ignored by humans. However, flies and other creatures, especially during the warmer season will feast on the carcass, not giving a damn how the pigeon died.
Call your local SPCA, humane society or bird rescue centre and ask them if they rescue pigeons. If not, you have two options; walk away and feel sad or bring the pigeon back home and treat it. For this you need a box to transport it in, a First Aid Kit for birds, and commitment.
Even healthy urban pigeons are easier to catch than other bird species. In the case of a sickly urban pigeon move slowly and don’t make any sharp sudden actions or loud noises. Slowly crouch down, then reach out to the pigeon and gently but firmly hold it in your hands; don’t press on the leg bones.
It would be a good idea to speak to the pigeon in a low-soft voice, calming it down. Don’t be embarrassed to say really sweet things to the pigeon. They understand tone and softness in a voice. Furthermore, your mannerisms should convey a message of love, caring and extreme empathy.
It’s a sad site seeing a pigeon, or in the case of city folks like myself a wounded squirrel.
There was one site I can never get out of my head. A squirrel who was paralyzed from ‘waist down’, meaning its hind quarters was withering away on the corner of the sidewalk beside a tree.
Although I didn’t see what’d happened I suspect that the squirrel’s hind quarters were run over by a bicycle. As expected when I returned (a few minutes later) the squirrel had vanished!
I’ve always wondered about these scenarios; did a Samaritan
pick up the squirrel or was the poor guy consumed by a hungry predator? Who knows?
Finding
an
aviary
veterinarian
usually
entails
some
searching. I have some URLs pertaining to this matter in the INFORMATION BOOTH (ORGANIZATIONS SECTION).
In addition, you can contact a veterinary clinic or
hospital in your area, an exotic bird hospital (even if they don’t cater to pigeons they should be able to direct you to the proper place), pigeon fancier organizations and you can ask around. The internet and the yellow pages are 2 good tools.
Be forewarned that aviary veterinarians, especially those specialized in pigeons are not as numerous as companion animal veterinarians.
If you find an avian veterinarian do the following as a minimum:
-Choosing the right veterinarian is one of the essentials for maintaining your bird’s health.
67
-If you don’t already have a trusted aviary veterinarian ask family members and friends. Be specific about what you want and ask important/relevant questions.
-Contact veterinary schools and seek a recommendation. They should direct you to their successful alumni or veterinarians with good reputations.
-Membership in the American Veterinary Medical Association or if in Canada the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is a bonus. As these vets have access to up-to-date and vital information pertaining to the veterinary medical field. In do not live in North America find out if your country has a counterpart and if the vet you seek is a member.
-Research the vet’s name and hospital or clinic. Look for good and bad opinions. It is up to you, the guardian of the pigeon to do all of the work. The trust is in your hands.
-Make absolutely certain that the vet has specialized or has relevant experience treating birds.
-Normally, medical personnel have their diplomas and
certificates posted in their office wall. Make a direct, pertinent inquiry.
-If not an emergency, call in advance and ASK QUESTIONS!
Make sure that you write all the questions down beforehand.
-Get a price range for the work to be done. Remember, you are paying, not the vet, staff or pigeon. If the vet and staff refuse to give you any estimate even for a basic exam, maybe you should look for another vet.
-Ask the vet how many years of experience he/she has had treating birds, and specifically, pigeons.
-The vet hospital or clinic should be clean, and the work and duties should appear organized.
-The staff should not be aloof. They should answer your questions.
-The
staff
should
appear
caring;
if
they
appear
disinterested, unfriendly or apathetic don’t say anything; just walk away. Remember, it is easier to do this before you’ve made an appointment and paid for your visit.
-Ask to see the examining area and living quarters of
hospitalized birds. Check the cages and take a close look at the birds therein.
-When taking the pigeon to the vet it should be in a cage.
-During the examination the vet should closely examine the behaviour of your pigeon. He/she should also ask you pertinent questions (past health, behavioural problems, the problem at hand or reason for the visit).
-The droppings should also be examined.
-The pigeon will have to be removed from the cage.
68
-The vet should handle the pigeon carefully and intently without showing anger, frustration or excessive nervousness.
-The vet may recommend diagnostic testing.
-If applicable inquire about parking, directions and