44. Protozoan diseases in pigeons- aetiology, symptoms, diagnostics, differential diagnostics, therapy and prevention

What are protozoan diseases in pigeons?

Trichomonas gallinae, Eimeria columbarium, Eimeria labbeanna, Toxoplasma gondii, Haemoproteus columbae, Leukocytozoon

What is Trichomonas gallinae?

A flagellated protozoan that infects the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and other organs of pigeons.

How are pigeons infected with Trichomonas gallinae?

Infected adult pigeons (carriers) can transmit it to young chicks through feeding pigeon milk.

What are the clinical signs of Trichomonas gallinae infection?

Yellow/whitish lesions in the mouth with excessive salivation, difficulty eating, regurgitation, lethargy, crop distension, and respiratory signs. More severe in young and immunosuppressed birds.

How is Trichomonas gallinae diagnosed?

Clinical signs, microscopic examination or culture of oral/crop swabs, or PCR testing.

How is Trichomonas gallinae treated?

Metronidazole medication.

How can Trichomonas gallinae infection be prevented?

Maintain good sanitation and prevent contact between infected and healthy birds.

What is a differential diagnosis for Trichomonas gallinae?

Avian pox (removal of diphtheritic membrane can cause bleeding).

What protozoa cause coccidiosis in pigeons?

Eimeria columbarum and Eimeria labbeanna.

Where do Eimeria spp. infect pigeons?

Various sites in the intestine, causing catarrhal enteritis (inflammation).

Who are more susceptible to coccidiosis?

Young pigeons and immunosuppressed birds, especially those not previously exposed.

What are the clinical signs of coccidiosis?

Weight loss, diarrhea (mucous or bloody), weakness, loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, dehydration, paralysis, and death.

How is coccidiosis diagnosed?

Clinical signs, fecal floatation test to detect oocysts, and intestinal lesions (catarrhal enteritis) during necropsy.

How is coccidiosis treated?

Sulfonamide medications.

How can coccidiosis be prevented?

Maintain good hygiene, quarantine new birds, and provide a good diet. (Toltrazuril and ionophores may also be preventative according to past notes, but verification is needed).

What are some differential diagnoses for coccidiosis?

Trichomoniasis, salmonellosis, and helminth infections.

What is Toxoplasma gondii?

A protozoan that affects many warm-blooded animals, including pigeons (intermediate hosts).

What are the signs of toxoplasmosis in pigeons?

Anorexia, conjunctivitis/uveitis (eye inflammation), diarrhea, nasal discharge/difficulty breathing, nervous system signs (tremor, paralysis, incoordination).

How is toxoplasmosis diagnosed?

Clinical signs, ELISA/PCR tests, and histopathology.

How is toxoplasmosis treated?

Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine medications.

How can toxoplasmosis be prevented?

Avoid contact between pigeons and cat feces (cats are the definitive host).

What are some differential diagnoses for toxoplasmosis?

Newcastle disease, lead poisoning, and avian pox.

What is Haemoproteus columbae?

A blood parasite related to Plasmodium (malaria parasite).

How is Haemoproteus columbae transmitted?

By the pigeon louse fly, Pseudolynchia canariensis.

What are the clinical signs of Haemoproteus columbae infection?

Weakness, anemia, weight loss, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, rapid breathing, and loss of appetite.

How is Haemoproteus columbae diagnosed?

Clinical signs, Giemsa stain, or PCR testing.

How is Haemoproteus columbae treated?

Chloroquine, primaquine, or sulfadiazine medications.

How can Haemoproteus columbae infection be prevented?

Control the louse fly vector population, maintain good husbandry practices, and quarantine new birds.

What are some differential diagnoses for Haemoproteus columbae?

Lead poisoning, avian malaria, chronic respiratory disease, and leucocytozoonosis.

What is leucocytozoonosis?

A blood protozoan disease spread by blackflies (intermediate hosts).

How does leucocytozoonosis affect pigeons?

The parasite invades and destroys liver cells during the first stage of infection.

What are the clinical signs of leucocytozoonosis?

Weakness, anemia, increased white blood cells (leukocytosis), difficulty breathing, coughing, nasal discharge, weight loss, rapid breathing, nervous system signs, emaciation, weakness, and death within 7-10 days or recovery with permanent organ damage.

How is leucocytozoonosis diagnosed?

Clinical signs, Giemsa stain, or PCR testing.

How is leucocytozoonosis treated?

There is no current treatment for leucocytozoonosis.

How can leucocytozoonosis be prevented?

Control the blackfly vector population, maintain good husbandry practices, and quarantine new birds.

What are some differential diagnoses for leucocytozoonosis?

Haemoproteus spp., avian malaria, and lead poisoning. /