There are a number of diseases during the season that are a serious threat to the health of the birds.
We are referring here to the Adeno-coli syndrome and the Ornithosis complex.
Adeno-coli syndrome
In this "syndrome" two pathogens are of interest. First the Adenovirus and also the E. coli bacterium.
We refer ,when we talk about this syndrome ,on the disease that occurs especially in young birds. Just about a year old.
Older birds are hardly affected by this disease.
The clinical signs occur when the youngsters are exposed to stress conditions.
But also under other stressful conditions such as overcrowding in the cages, etc. outbreaks can occur.
The symptoms are well known. Excessive drinking, poor appetite, vomiting and watery diarrhea are the most obvious symptoms. The condition is rapidly getting worse and there is weight loss. The disease spreads rapidly in a loft. Within 48 hours, all the young birds are sick. A pure infection of this type of so-called Classic adenovirosis recover within a week. If no complicating conditions come into play. One can think in particular of the E. coli bacteria.
And since that is very often the case therefore often is spoken about the so-called Adeno-Coli Syndrome.
Precisely because contamination with E. Coli occurs the disease rapidly aggravates and weakens the birds quickly, they lose weight and get a green foul-smelling dropping. Even death can occur due to the complications caused by the E. coli bacteria.
In severe cases of adenovirus infection, the birds also die as a result of the weakening and damage to the liver. The pigeons with severe damage to the liver usually heal slowly from the Adenovirus. Due to the backlog of flying experience and fitness,the flight performance after recovery is often disappointing.
The adenovirus of the so-called Classical adenovirosis causes a catarrhal enteritis. The virus penetrates the intestinal cells and damages the intestinal wall. The intestinal wall leaks. These are a good breeding ground for bacteria normally present in the intestine, such as E. Coli. This increases the damage to the intestinal wall. And death often occurs due to the complications caused by these bacteria (blood poisoning).
If there arenot any complicating factors than the pigeons recover of Adenovirus infection in a good week.
But what we see in practice? A wide variation in severity of symptoms. In a limited number of cases will recover within a week and the damage is not too bad.
Complication occurs with the E. Coli bacteria the disease processes much more severe and recovery is much slower.
The chances of a Coliform bacteria can cause worsening symptoms again depends on the resistance of the youngsters. Did they also suffer from such an infection with cancer, or Hexamitiasis or Ornithosis, the disease merely expires dramatic.
The Adeno-Coli Syndrome is truly a 'multifactor-disease ".
Other debilitating diseases such as Hexamitiasis, and cancer, stress factors such as basketing, overcrowded pens etc. all play a significant role in the severity of the disease.
It is clear that our attention to the youngsters should focus on optimal maintenance of the resistance of the animals.
The diagnosis is based on clinical signs and the age at which symptoms occur and mainly to the seasonal nature, usually with high certainty. Yet with these phenomena one should also be thinking of diseases as paramyxovirus infection, herpes infection, streptococcosis, Hexamitiasis, Salmonellosis. Certainty that one has to do with the Adenovirus is obtained true checking for embedding cells in the liver and intestinal mucosa.
In the fight against the disease one can not use a preventative vaccination. The adenovirus in pigeons belongs to a different circuit from the Adenovirus used to control the EDS in chickens. This vaccine has been used frequently in pigeons. Our experience is that single inoculation with this vaccine gives no result in the fight against Adenovirus in pigeons.
In Belgian publications mention results with this vaccine if the youngsters were vaccinated several times in succession with this vaccine.
We coud not confirm this yet.
As we know, there are no effective drugs against viral infections. This means that the alleviation should therefore primarily focus on addressing the secondary bacterial infections, the loft hygiëne and stress prevention and increasing the resistance of the youngsters.
Control secondary bacterial infections
With the adenovirosis coli complex we have mainly to do with E.coli in the secondary bacterial infections. This bacterium occurs in about 97% of the intestines of pigeons. The bacteria can be considered more or less as normal intestinal inhabitant. However, due to the changes caused by the Adeno virus infection in the intestine the bacteria can suddenly multiply. The toxins that this bacterium produces can damage the intestine through the intestinal wall and pass through a blood poisoning. At that stage, usually no help is to offer to the pigeon. Most do not survive this stage.
It is therefore essential that the strong multiplication of coli bacteria is prevented. Some agents have a reasonable effect. Baytril (enrofloxacin) works well but does not deserve preference because of the impact this has on bone growth.
In some cases it may be useful to contain the E. coli population by providing a cure after spawning. Because under these circumstances, the stress sometimes causes a stronger increase in the occurrence of coli bacteria. Especially when there is overcrowding.
But it would be considered to take preventive measures . Indeed, it is preferable not to use antibiotics excessively. The good bacteria also suffer.
Loft Hygiëne
Hygiëne is always important.
Of course it is important to ensure that no diffusion occurs through drinking pots and bowls. As far as that hygiene is not enough. However, excessive hygiene, on the other hand, lead to youngsters with too few "teething problems" making sufficient and acquire immunity to diseases difficult.
In practice this will not happen so easily. My experience is that the average pigeon fancier knows what he / she is doing.
Prevention of stress
This is obviously very important. Stress is often the "trigger" that causes latent (hidden) infections manifest themselves.
Of course not all stress is to avoid . The youngsters will be basketed anyhow.
But stress that occurs due to overcrowding is usually to avoid. . Besides being stressful, it often causes an outbreak of E.coli infection in a loft.
Stress in itself reduces the resistance. Reduced resistance increases the risk of infection. Drug treatment may be necessary. But this can also cause deterioration of the condition.
And so one can end up in a circle.
Increase the natural resistance
I believe that this should be the base for addressing this problem. Indeed, the use of drugs should be considered as a necessary evil.
Hygiene is not negligible and the other hand is not too extreme one already contributes to an increase in resistance by decreasing the infection pressure. If we also avoid stress so the pigeon is also more likely to increase its resistance.
Making sure that the intestinal flora of (young) birds increases, one stimulates the resistance as shown again and again. By improving the intestinal flora the harmful intestinal bacteria get less opportunity to multiply explosively. Since in this case the Coli bacteria has less chance to multiply, the youngsters quickly recover of this infection.
This method works very limited if the infection has struck in full.
In these cases, usually one is forced to resort to drugs such as previously mentioned.
For a good general resistance it is important for the pigeon to have a good digestion. If one can ensure that the birds maintain a good intestinal flora,one is on the right track. It's obviously that a pigeon with a good intestinal flora will never be ill. But the fact is that these birds because of their better resistance more easily can overcome the infections .
A pigeon with a healthy intestinal flora has a better feed utilization. The vitamin metabolism is better. The uptake of nutrients will be facilitated. In short, the bird can easily get in shape.
And lately, it is more and more clear that a healthy intestinal flora makes a contribution toa difficult development of harmful bacteria.
In this way, infections with these bacteria are generally less serious.
By souring the drinking water of the pigeons with sour apple vinegar, phyto-vitality, Herba etc. makes it easier for the good gut bacteria to multiply.
This way you can make a valuable contribution to a healthy intestinal flora.
One must be careful that the acidity is not so low that even the good gut bacteria have difficulty to get to develop well.
The tests we did last year with the improved version of the Phyto-vitality showed that this natural approach can actually help improve the condition of the pigeons and the rising of the form.
Our phyto-vitality is beeing used for many years by many fanciers. A small two years ago we started with a number of experiments in which we added five resistance enhancing herbs to our phyto-vitality. And also we added the famous ginseng. This root has a stimulating effect on the body.
About vitamins and resistance has already been written a lot. I would like to provide a question mark behind the old saying that a dove absorbs enough vitamins from his food. I of course agree that a pigeon under normal circumstances absorbs enough vitamins and nutrients from a good diet may include good health.
But here's the rub as well. Indeed, pigeon racing is sport. And that requires more from the body than under normal circumstances. The chain of health and resistance is as strong as its weakest link. One can give the best possible care if a relative or absolute shortage of essential building blocks exists the health will collapse as a house build of cards.
My opinion is that once more is demanded of the pigeons they will be better off if they regularly get a good vitamin preparation administered. Either on the food or by drinking water. This extra vitamin-gift optimizes the enzyme systems in the body.
Farvisol has proved its value in practice. This is a vitamin preparation containing high levels of vitamins and trace elements.
Some rules for a good resistance and a good base for getting them in a good shape.
1. Avoid stress. Important in this is to prevent overcrowding.
2. Through a good basic hygiene ensure that the infection pressure of the major pigeon diseases remains low.
3. Optimizing the enzyme systems by providing quality food and good vitamins.
4. Improve metabolism by making sure that the intestinal flora is in optimum condition.
As said you can contribute through regular acidified drinking water supply.
(Apple Cider Vinegar, Phytovitaliteit, resistance drink)
5. Regular monitoring of manure and throat of the pigeons on parasitic infections.
The ornithosis complex
Respiratory diseases and the Adeno-coli complex, are during the racing season the greatest threat to the health of the pigeons.
A sharp outbreak of ornithosis complex can quickly put an end to many illusions.One can distinguish between a number of different diseases and pathogens. In theory this is interesting but for a practical approach to the problem of respiratory diseases, it is better to speak of "ornithosis complex".
Under the ornithosis complex in pigeons, we understand the interplay of disorders of the upper respiratory tract. Pure infections by certain pathogens will exist , but mostly it is a combination of one or more agents and other factors causing problems.
Interplay of factors that I will elaborate later.
Causes and symptoms
There are many agents of infections that can be distinguished. Many of these agents often provide a number of similar symptoms. We can distinguish viral, bacterial, protozoan, and additionally distinguish infections with mycoplasmas and chlamydiae.
Usually we see the familiar phenomena of the upper airways ranging from wet eyes, swollen ears, rattling breathing, frequent sneezing, coughing (with light pressure on the windpipe), scratching the ears and wiping their eyes.
Frequent yawning may also point toward the respiratory tract and also mucus in the throat.
In short there is a whole range of phenomena that indicate the direction of respiratory infections.
Sometimes some of these symptoms are quite specific to an agent, as is the inflammation of the eye often involves pure ornithosis due to a chlamydial infection.
Diphtheric herds in throat and trachea are usually caused by a herpes infection.
But in most cases, the symptoms indicate a large number of possible pathogens.
Further research to find out the cause is often desirable.
Research
Through swabs of the eyes and swabs of the cloaca , some of the causes are shown.
In other cases, bacteriological research has to give an outcome. These results take a few days to come. Also in sections, the results often takes several days, also because further bacteriological investigation should take place.
Assessment of canker through throat swabs in this context is also important. Birds infected with canker turn out to be significantly more susceptible to other respiratory illnesses.
Interplay of factors
As said, the symptoms are in some cases very characteristic. But infection with the herpes virus does not always rise to visible symptoms. It appeared that 60% of the birds are "serologically positive" on antibodies to the herpesvirus. So this means that 60% of the birds had contact
with the virus and formed antibodies against it. But not all birds are sick with this infection.
The same applies to the infection with Chlamydiae. Against this, more than 50% of the pigeons
have antibodies in their blood. So again many birds are infected without being sick.
The same is true for several other pathogens such as Staphylococci and mycoplasmas.
But also the viruses involved in a number of youngsters at an age of 1.5 to 2 months do not always
let them suffer from clinical disease.
We can therefore say that many birds carry pathogens without being sick.
Whether or not a disease will outbreak depends on several factors.
If many birds are kept in a small space, so if there is overcrowding there will be more sick birds .
The stress from overcrowding makes the animals more susceptible to the pathogens that are still present. These are also found in transportation. There are many birds and the carriage itself
is stressful.
But apart from stress and other causes as overcrowding is also the strength of the pathogen of interest. Thus, potent pathogens lead to disease rather than mild pathogens. It is important therefore that if drugs should be given to combat these pathogens, then these are provided in sufficiently high doses and that the medication is given for a sufficient time.
(Some medications on the market today contain only 5% active ingredients. The risk of underdosing, due to application of these drugs more than likely).
Another important factor whether or not there will be an outbreak are loft circumstances.
The loft should be dry,warm and draft free. Draft is harmful to birds.
Moisture contributes to the formation of mold. And fungi in turn contributes to undermining the defense of the pigeons.
It means that several factors play a role in whether or not a disease breaks out among the pigeons .
The most important factor for a bird is its own defense.This is a factor that is often neglected. Every fancier should ensure that the birds have the highest possible resistance.
Birds with higher resistance are less susceptible to other factors that play a role in the outbreak of clinical infections.
It is therefore important to ensure that youngsters growe up with the best possible resistance.
This prevents that during the racing season, especially with the youngsters, that the slightest infection pressure will lead to clinical symptoms.
Many fanciers try to overcome lack of resistance by the use of drugs. Although today it is hard to play entirely without drugs it would be good if the use of drugs could be limited.
To achieve this we need to work more preservative. We have to start during the breeding. If we assume that over 50% of the pigeons are carriers of Chlamidiae it is obvious that the risk exists that the youngsters are infected with these parasites in the nest.
If we ensure optimal breeding we reduce the chance that the youngsters are contaminated very early in life.
The same applies of course in the rearing. Youngsters need to build up their defenses through "teething problems". But important is that are well enough equipped. Their resistance has to be high enough.
Starting with medication in the rearing is certainly no guarantee that we will get pigeons that perform well.
Preventive action
It is therefore of utmost importance to act preservative so that the pigeons have a better resistance and therefore less need for medication. The need to have to cure during the playing season is often the end of the performance.
In recent years we have studied increasing the resistance. Our resistance drink and the Bony-SGR has been proven to contribute to a better resistance.
It appears that the regular use of our resistance drink breeders are in better shape. They grow better, are more powerful and are less sensitive to the teething. The resistance drink helps by its acidifying action and also provides protection against the Adenocoli complex. Like the Ornithosis complex a disorder whose severity of symptoms depends on several factors.
Our advice during breeding and rearing is the regular use of natural resistance enhancers for the youngsters. To provide them in a natural way with more defense against pathogens.
Occasional use of natural resistance enhancers is not sufficient. These resources should be used frequently enough, if you want it to be effective, but the results are worth it.
A warning is also in place. By using the resistance drink it is possible that they grow up too early in shape. Here one has to pay attention. It is therefore advisable to use the resistance drink after spawning no more than three days a week.
As the racing season gets closer, one can use the drink increased to five days a week.
Resistance drink should not be combined with drugs in the drinking water.
If drugs should be used supply them on the food.
Treatment
In case of clinical outbreaks of ornithosis a range of drugs available. Individual birds can be treated with Ornithosis capsules. One capsule per pigeon per day.
All this depends on the seriousness of the disorder.
Powder 18 and Sa mix are also effective against cancer and hexamitiasis. In more chronic infections powder 26 (Myco-Orni-mix), powder 31 (SES-V) and Orni-P qualify.
Circo virus
Circo viruses are only descibed in pigeons since last year in Europe. The disease only occurs in youngsters from six weeks to one year old. The age of four months appears to be the most sensitive.
There is no seasonality like the classic example adenovirosis.
The mortality in nestlings and recently weaned pups up to 8 weeks of age up to 100. Sometimes the death is minimal and it occurs after three to four days after the onset of symptoms.
It is clear that the circovirus frequently occurs in young birds. How the infection exactly expires is not known . There may be a contamination by manure. For example in the travel baskets. It is thought that the virus suppresses the resistance (imunosuppressie). This is still unproven. Often this virus is demonstrated when other diseases are present. It is therefore questionable whether the abnormalities found post mortem are to be allotted to the virus or the accompanying diseases.The accompanying diseases areoften responsible for mortality. Probably the disease can be associated with poor general condition of the birds and mortality in nestlings. This is because the virus replication takes place in the organs of the defense system.The result is that the immunety is deficit and there are no good reactions to vaccinations . Possible that many young have an asymptomatic infection. If the infection occurs later in life than the consequences of the contamination is limited.
In section often only a pale or swollen spleen is found, semi-liquid green stool green and a green colored stomach contents. In the bursa of Fabricius inclusions are found.
The diagnosis will be based on the histological detection of inclusions in the bursa. Virus isolation is not yet implemented. In connection with the impairment of the immune organ it may be important to keep the defense of the older animals as high as possible. Bony SGR contributes to an increase in overall resistance. 5 ml per liter of drinking water. Several days a week.
Herpesvirus
Blood tests on pigeons establish that the half of the birds have antibodies against the herpes virus. So probably half of them are latent infected birds. This means that they are carrying the virus, but do not show any sign of disease. Clinical cases where the pigeons show signs of disease are not common.
Infected birds remain lifelong carriers. Under stress conditions, the excretion of the virus increase. For youngsters between two and ten weeks, the herpes virus causes symptoms of malaise. In older birds is a limited role attributed to the herpes virus in the coryza contagiosa complex.
Herpes can cause acute mortality without any symptoms with nestlings. Older birds with clinical herpes infections can have a difteroïd batter in the throat, mouth and esophagus and crop gain. This should not be confused with canker, Candida diphtheria or smallpox.
There is no therapy except experimental treatments with antiviral drugs.
The treatment of the affected birds should be to isolate the birds. The difteroide studded with iodine. Prevention of secondary infection with Marbocap and AMX tablets given for one week to ten days. In severe cases, the birds must be artificially fed and a liquid amino acid / electrolyte solution is recommended.
Smallpox
As is known smallpox particularly occur late summer and autumn. The disease is transmitted by direct contact and by blood-sucking insects and insect stings.After contamination the disease braeks out after 10-20 days. The symptoms are quite characteristic. We distinguish between the skinform and the diphtheria form.
If the birds can not eat the disease is fatal. If not, we will see recovery after 7 to 21 days . Internal organs are rarely affected. The lesions in the mouth can be treated with iodine. Affected birds should be isolated. In order to prevent secondary infections these birds can be treated with Marbocap and AMX tablets.
In principle, the prognosis of a virus infection is possitive if the animals continue to eat . The infection spreads slowly in a loft . This can cause the lost of the entire youngsters playing season. Preventive some good vaccin are available. Due to the slow spread an emergency vaccination may contribute to a lower spread of the virus and therefore a faster recovery of the loft.
Traditionally, the feather follicle method is used. The pigeons are then to be grafted six weeks before the racing season. The pigeons should be over the age of 4 weeks. In recent years, more vaccinations are made with the combination of paramyxovirus and smallpox .
Pigeon Health etc -
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willie reynolds
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Re: Pigeon Health etc -
Paramyxovirus
The paramyxovirus can cause turning necks and watery droppings ,common knowledge among fanciers. Yet the nervous symptoms are less noticeable and they usually disappear too quickly. Often within one week. The watery manure, can be persist 6 to 8 weeks.
About two thirds of the birds can fully recover from the nervous symptoms without affecting the flight performance. In recent years a number of outbreaks in of paramyxovirose progressed worse. We have seen more death and lean pigeons. Often one thought of paratyphoid, and sometimes it was found while paramyxovirus was in the background .
In case of contamination, the water uptake is not to be limited. If you want to treat affected animals to isolate them is the best. To prevent complications the pigeon can be given a Marbocap and also Bonisol in drinking water. The systematic vaccination of pigeons against paramyxovirus disease makes it seen only sporadically.
Streptococcosis
The cause of this disease is called Streptococcus gallolyticus. In Belgium, the disease is also known as muscle or wing disease. Occasionally a pigeon fancier sees one with poor flying .Often we think here of infection with the paratyphoid bacteria. But that is not always the case. It is striking that these illnesses occurs in lofts where there is less work made of hygiene. Furthermore, these cases are more common with females in the breeding season. It may happen that a hen on eggs in the morning is ok, can not fly in the afternoon and a few hours later is dead, even before other symptoms have occurred. These other symptoms may be limp and hanging of the two wings. Typical is that a pigeon cannot fly in her bucket. These symptoms therefore do indeed think of paratyphoid. It can be a complication to a paratyphoid infection. If the birds do not die suddenly one may notice that a thin green, slimy stools is produced. The pigeons can also start drinking more. Usually the appetite disappeared. The condition deteriorates quickly. It is also possible that during the breeding embryonal death occurs. As often is thought of paratyphoid cases will be cured with such as Batryl or Trimsulfa. This therapy will not work because the streptococcus is not sensitive to these agents. Sometimes, the performance of the yougsters are dissapointing .The youngsters exercise moderate and the losses among the young is very high. Even old birds that are affected lose condition. They fly often priceless. If there is an outbreak in a loft, all of these symptoms occur across the different birds . Not all pigeons exhibit all the symptoms. Are th symptomes across several birds, it is good to think about the possibility of this infection.
Infections should not be blindly cured, surely streptococcosis should not be.
Many treatments used with various infections in pigeons are hardly effective against this bacterium. As a result the situation could further deteriorate. In lofts with slatted floors there is significantly less influence of this bacterium. If one suffers from this bacteria is the placement of grids is often a good way to control the outbreak and in the long term to remain in control. The risk of recontamination is less because fewer birds can walk through the manure. In an acute outbreak of steptococcose we prescribe powder 22 or Bony Amco . Bony Jodi also works, but also Ampicillin 2 grams per liter for at least seven days is a possibility. Trimsulfa, Altabactine, Baytril or do not work for these infections because the bacteria are not sensitive. Streptococci can always be grown in pigeons. It is a bacterium that normally occurs in pigeons. But with these bacteria , disease occurs only if certain conditions are met.Keeping the resistance of birds at the highest level and adequate hygiene measures (grids) can contribute to a reduction of infection pressure. We also found that administrating Bony Sgr helps to restrict the problems.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections in birds may play an important role in the insufficient shape of racing pigeons. The molds can produce toxins that are harmful to the body of the host. One of the symptoms may be fatigue. This is difficult to determine in pigeon, except that the flight performance drops and inadequate training occurs. Furthermore, birds exhibit few symptoms of fungal infections. The cause of the abundance of fungi is to be found in the provision of antibiotics. Antibiotics work against bacteria but not against fungi. Indeed the too frequent use of antibiotics increases the likelihood of stimulated mold growth . Therefore it is important to limit the use of antibiotics. Is a fungus found in pigeon in the head or in the stool, treatment is required. Unfortunately, combating fungi is expensive (eg Nystatin) and it should be given long term.To give prolonged antifungal drugs (antifungals) during the season usually fails. In addition, these infections are often associated with other concurrent infections, such as bacteria and viruses. This makes treatment more difficult. Bony-SGR regularly supplied, can contribute to a healthy intestinal flora, reducing the chance of mold growth in a natural way. Also if fungal infections are established, Bony-SGR contributes to a recovery of the pigeons.
Worm Infections
Worms can have a negative influence on the condition of a pigeon negative , no birds will reach top form. Moderate worm infestations will have more symptoms such as weight loss, bad moult, diarrhea, and fatigue and to throw a little down. It can also negatively affect fertility. Hairworms are mor damaging for pigeons than roundworms. It is recommended in case of a worms to always treat the pigeons. It is recommended that the pigeon is treated again between 8 days and three weeks after the first treatment. There are several anthelmintics available. Worm Capsules (one capsule per pigeon) for individual treatment, worm liquid (8 ml per 2 liters drinking water) or Worm Powder for couple therapy. It is recommended to burn the lofts.This is the only effective method to kill eggs in the lofts. After a few days of treatment a vitamin preparation can be given. Farvisol for example.
Paratyphoid is a bacterial disease and we already have devoted considerable attention to it over the years in our newsletters .
But in everyday practice there appear to remain many questions on this disease.
Autumn is the time for a good basis for the new season. Except selection among the pigeons and control of fecal samples on worms and coccidiosis it is wise to make some swabs to control a possible contamination of yellow. But autumn is traditionally the time of the year to show whether the pigeons are latent( = hidden) contaminated with Salmonella. Precisely in this period, this disease is best demonstrated. After all, the animals tend to be more susceptible to infection by the assoult that the molt commits to the resistance. In addition, in this time of year no antiseptic cure is given. This gives the paratyphoid bacteria also more time to recover. The chance that the bacteria in manure can be shown is increasing.
The disease symptoms
Before we go to the preventive checks, we will discuss condition. Paratyphoid can express itselves in many ways.
A clinical outbreak of the disease is a source of annoyance, the subclinical or latent (hidden) form is much more annoying.
In those cases little is to notice. Usually only that the performance isnot as usual. Mediocre performance is still achievable, but top performance isn't. The pigeons are uncomfortable. A little pale in the plumage and often less vivid. They can throw down a little less and fly worse.
Phenomena that can occur in several diseases.
The different color of the stool that often is slimy is something that can happen to with other diseases.
In short, the birds do not do well.
If it was possible to give a certain diagnose through a single dropping culture it would not be such a nasty disease. But unfortunately the bacteria in the manure is not always detectable. Excretion of the bacterium does not always take place.That is why we recommend to collect the manure of five days.The chance to demonstrate the bacteria is bigger this way.
If the bacteria is demonstrated the proof that there is an infection is delivered. But in case of a negative culture, it does not say 100% that no infection with typhoid was present. If this check is often done without a bacteria is detected, the possibility that the pigeons really are free of paratyphoid ,is gradually increasing.
In the subclinical form of paratyphoid the pigeons are infected with the bacterium and the pigeon has except those vague symptoms little or no complaints.
If the resistance of the birds now goes down suddenly, a visible infection of paratyphoid is going to perform in the so-called clinical form.
In such cases, the healthy pigeons take the bacteria in through the mouth after this the infection begins in the gut. Larger parts of the intestine can become inflamed.
Low resistance or high infection pressure can cause that the bacteria moves through the lymph vessels to the internal organs. This is associated with sepsis (blood poisoning) and specific organ degradation. Depending on where the infection foci are formed we get different appearances. Thus we have the intestinal form, the organ form (liver, lungs, testicles, ovaries), the joint form and form of the brain. But in essence they are the expression of inflammatory lesions.
There are also some characteristic phenomena such as purulent inflammation of the skin, and inflammation of the eyelids. We have already seen Salmonella cultures grow many times.
The recovered birds of the clinical infection may remain carriers of the bacteria for years and so regularly infect travel baskets and the loft.
It is also considered possible that contamination through the shell or fertilization is possible.
If we discuss the contamination on the basis of different forms,it can be said that in
the intestinal form often the first to notice is that a few pigeons lose weight or the dropping is slimy, thin, greenish and sometimes bloody. Often mortality occurs quickly .
In the fall mainly the older pigeons will exhibit symptoms. Often the main complaint is losing weight.
In the breeding period the symptoms may break out. The infection can then move to the youngsters which then quickly die. Usually from the fifth day. A symptom of this period,is many drinking and the aqueous dropping. Also, the fertilization outcomes can be dissapointing. Sheer eggs or 1 egg instead of 2 eggs.
In the organ type we often see that the liver is affected by typical inflammatory lesions as a result. The liver works badly so the pigeons generally get ill.
When the genitals are affected fertilization results will be disappointing. Often the infertility is permanent.
The kidneys can become damaged so that the animals get in poorer condition and become more slim.
The spherical form is characterized by typical lesions at the elbow joint and the hock. The complaints arise from the overfilled joints. The pigeons cannot run or fly skewed.
Some times we succeed to grow a pure culture of Salmonella out of the joints.
The brain form of paratyphoid may manifest itself in turn necks. A symptom that even can occur with a paramyxovirus infection . The swivel neck is a result of impairment of the vestibular system. When the youngsters have paramyxovirus however, many remain attentive. In contrast,with paratyphoid, they will soon die.
The separation made between different forms is fundamentally unfair. These are all manifestations of the same disease. And it is certainly not true that all affected pigeons in a loft have the same symptoms. It is usually a mixture of various symptoms. Sometimes only a single symptom is present and the diagnosis is difficult.
Often the diagnosis is made by section. When in doubt, it is therefore so important to examine the birds.
In general one can say that youngsters have more severe symptoms than older birds. They are also more likely to succumb to the disease. The older birds are often chronic carriers of the bacteria as they survive chronic infection.
The definitive diagnosis is made by bacteriological examination. Especially in case of doubt it is important to carry out a bacteria culture on a sample collected from about five days. Only this way we can find out if there are shedder among the pigeons.
Treatment
Affected birds must be removed from the loft. Individual treatment of pigeons with marbocap may lead to recovery of the pigeons. But only if only the intestine is affected, these pigeons are fit to fly. In all other cases, they are only suitable for farming, at least if there has not occured permanent damage to the reproductive organs.
Furthermore, the hygiene has to be increased in the loft. Cleaning, disinfecting and burning certainly help but is not everything.
Feeding in the mangers in these situations is obvious.
Overcrowding and stress should be avoided wherever possible.
In addition, the provision of good acting drugs given to all the pigeons for a long time. Also increasing the overall resistance contributes to fighting the infection. Providing a resistance drink for a while is possible.
The medications to control paratyphoid are eligible trimsulfa and enrofloxacin (Baytril). In our center there is a slight preference for trimsulfa.
At least 14 days medication should be provided. In clinical outbreaks a vaccination is recommended after 14 days after which a good week of medication . Repetition of the grafting in clinical infections is recommended to build up the maximum immune support. Vaccinate youngsters at the age of 6 weeks. The elder birds in the off-season but at least three weeks before pairing. In this way, the highest possible protection is given to the youngsters. The treatment of paratyphoid discussed above is no guarantee that the infection will stay away . Paratyphoid is a persistent disease.
In case of a clinical outbreak it would be wise to check the droppings through cultures with great regularity.
Pigeons purchased,are best kept quarantined initially.
The paramyxovirus can cause turning necks and watery droppings ,common knowledge among fanciers. Yet the nervous symptoms are less noticeable and they usually disappear too quickly. Often within one week. The watery manure, can be persist 6 to 8 weeks.
About two thirds of the birds can fully recover from the nervous symptoms without affecting the flight performance. In recent years a number of outbreaks in of paramyxovirose progressed worse. We have seen more death and lean pigeons. Often one thought of paratyphoid, and sometimes it was found while paramyxovirus was in the background .
In case of contamination, the water uptake is not to be limited. If you want to treat affected animals to isolate them is the best. To prevent complications the pigeon can be given a Marbocap and also Bonisol in drinking water. The systematic vaccination of pigeons against paramyxovirus disease makes it seen only sporadically.
Streptococcosis
The cause of this disease is called Streptococcus gallolyticus. In Belgium, the disease is also known as muscle or wing disease. Occasionally a pigeon fancier sees one with poor flying .Often we think here of infection with the paratyphoid bacteria. But that is not always the case. It is striking that these illnesses occurs in lofts where there is less work made of hygiene. Furthermore, these cases are more common with females in the breeding season. It may happen that a hen on eggs in the morning is ok, can not fly in the afternoon and a few hours later is dead, even before other symptoms have occurred. These other symptoms may be limp and hanging of the two wings. Typical is that a pigeon cannot fly in her bucket. These symptoms therefore do indeed think of paratyphoid. It can be a complication to a paratyphoid infection. If the birds do not die suddenly one may notice that a thin green, slimy stools is produced. The pigeons can also start drinking more. Usually the appetite disappeared. The condition deteriorates quickly. It is also possible that during the breeding embryonal death occurs. As often is thought of paratyphoid cases will be cured with such as Batryl or Trimsulfa. This therapy will not work because the streptococcus is not sensitive to these agents. Sometimes, the performance of the yougsters are dissapointing .The youngsters exercise moderate and the losses among the young is very high. Even old birds that are affected lose condition. They fly often priceless. If there is an outbreak in a loft, all of these symptoms occur across the different birds . Not all pigeons exhibit all the symptoms. Are th symptomes across several birds, it is good to think about the possibility of this infection.
Infections should not be blindly cured, surely streptococcosis should not be.
Many treatments used with various infections in pigeons are hardly effective against this bacterium. As a result the situation could further deteriorate. In lofts with slatted floors there is significantly less influence of this bacterium. If one suffers from this bacteria is the placement of grids is often a good way to control the outbreak and in the long term to remain in control. The risk of recontamination is less because fewer birds can walk through the manure. In an acute outbreak of steptococcose we prescribe powder 22 or Bony Amco . Bony Jodi also works, but also Ampicillin 2 grams per liter for at least seven days is a possibility. Trimsulfa, Altabactine, Baytril or do not work for these infections because the bacteria are not sensitive. Streptococci can always be grown in pigeons. It is a bacterium that normally occurs in pigeons. But with these bacteria , disease occurs only if certain conditions are met.Keeping the resistance of birds at the highest level and adequate hygiene measures (grids) can contribute to a reduction of infection pressure. We also found that administrating Bony Sgr helps to restrict the problems.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections in birds may play an important role in the insufficient shape of racing pigeons. The molds can produce toxins that are harmful to the body of the host. One of the symptoms may be fatigue. This is difficult to determine in pigeon, except that the flight performance drops and inadequate training occurs. Furthermore, birds exhibit few symptoms of fungal infections. The cause of the abundance of fungi is to be found in the provision of antibiotics. Antibiotics work against bacteria but not against fungi. Indeed the too frequent use of antibiotics increases the likelihood of stimulated mold growth . Therefore it is important to limit the use of antibiotics. Is a fungus found in pigeon in the head or in the stool, treatment is required. Unfortunately, combating fungi is expensive (eg Nystatin) and it should be given long term.To give prolonged antifungal drugs (antifungals) during the season usually fails. In addition, these infections are often associated with other concurrent infections, such as bacteria and viruses. This makes treatment more difficult. Bony-SGR regularly supplied, can contribute to a healthy intestinal flora, reducing the chance of mold growth in a natural way. Also if fungal infections are established, Bony-SGR contributes to a recovery of the pigeons.
Worm Infections
Worms can have a negative influence on the condition of a pigeon negative , no birds will reach top form. Moderate worm infestations will have more symptoms such as weight loss, bad moult, diarrhea, and fatigue and to throw a little down. It can also negatively affect fertility. Hairworms are mor damaging for pigeons than roundworms. It is recommended in case of a worms to always treat the pigeons. It is recommended that the pigeon is treated again between 8 days and three weeks after the first treatment. There are several anthelmintics available. Worm Capsules (one capsule per pigeon) for individual treatment, worm liquid (8 ml per 2 liters drinking water) or Worm Powder for couple therapy. It is recommended to burn the lofts.This is the only effective method to kill eggs in the lofts. After a few days of treatment a vitamin preparation can be given. Farvisol for example.
Paratyphoid is a bacterial disease and we already have devoted considerable attention to it over the years in our newsletters .
But in everyday practice there appear to remain many questions on this disease.
Autumn is the time for a good basis for the new season. Except selection among the pigeons and control of fecal samples on worms and coccidiosis it is wise to make some swabs to control a possible contamination of yellow. But autumn is traditionally the time of the year to show whether the pigeons are latent( = hidden) contaminated with Salmonella. Precisely in this period, this disease is best demonstrated. After all, the animals tend to be more susceptible to infection by the assoult that the molt commits to the resistance. In addition, in this time of year no antiseptic cure is given. This gives the paratyphoid bacteria also more time to recover. The chance that the bacteria in manure can be shown is increasing.
The disease symptoms
Before we go to the preventive checks, we will discuss condition. Paratyphoid can express itselves in many ways.
A clinical outbreak of the disease is a source of annoyance, the subclinical or latent (hidden) form is much more annoying.
In those cases little is to notice. Usually only that the performance isnot as usual. Mediocre performance is still achievable, but top performance isn't. The pigeons are uncomfortable. A little pale in the plumage and often less vivid. They can throw down a little less and fly worse.
Phenomena that can occur in several diseases.
The different color of the stool that often is slimy is something that can happen to with other diseases.
In short, the birds do not do well.
If it was possible to give a certain diagnose through a single dropping culture it would not be such a nasty disease. But unfortunately the bacteria in the manure is not always detectable. Excretion of the bacterium does not always take place.That is why we recommend to collect the manure of five days.The chance to demonstrate the bacteria is bigger this way.
If the bacteria is demonstrated the proof that there is an infection is delivered. But in case of a negative culture, it does not say 100% that no infection with typhoid was present. If this check is often done without a bacteria is detected, the possibility that the pigeons really are free of paratyphoid ,is gradually increasing.
In the subclinical form of paratyphoid the pigeons are infected with the bacterium and the pigeon has except those vague symptoms little or no complaints.
If the resistance of the birds now goes down suddenly, a visible infection of paratyphoid is going to perform in the so-called clinical form.
In such cases, the healthy pigeons take the bacteria in through the mouth after this the infection begins in the gut. Larger parts of the intestine can become inflamed.
Low resistance or high infection pressure can cause that the bacteria moves through the lymph vessels to the internal organs. This is associated with sepsis (blood poisoning) and specific organ degradation. Depending on where the infection foci are formed we get different appearances. Thus we have the intestinal form, the organ form (liver, lungs, testicles, ovaries), the joint form and form of the brain. But in essence they are the expression of inflammatory lesions.
There are also some characteristic phenomena such as purulent inflammation of the skin, and inflammation of the eyelids. We have already seen Salmonella cultures grow many times.
The recovered birds of the clinical infection may remain carriers of the bacteria for years and so regularly infect travel baskets and the loft.
It is also considered possible that contamination through the shell or fertilization is possible.
If we discuss the contamination on the basis of different forms,it can be said that in
the intestinal form often the first to notice is that a few pigeons lose weight or the dropping is slimy, thin, greenish and sometimes bloody. Often mortality occurs quickly .
In the fall mainly the older pigeons will exhibit symptoms. Often the main complaint is losing weight.
In the breeding period the symptoms may break out. The infection can then move to the youngsters which then quickly die. Usually from the fifth day. A symptom of this period,is many drinking and the aqueous dropping. Also, the fertilization outcomes can be dissapointing. Sheer eggs or 1 egg instead of 2 eggs.
In the organ type we often see that the liver is affected by typical inflammatory lesions as a result. The liver works badly so the pigeons generally get ill.
When the genitals are affected fertilization results will be disappointing. Often the infertility is permanent.
The kidneys can become damaged so that the animals get in poorer condition and become more slim.
The spherical form is characterized by typical lesions at the elbow joint and the hock. The complaints arise from the overfilled joints. The pigeons cannot run or fly skewed.
Some times we succeed to grow a pure culture of Salmonella out of the joints.
The brain form of paratyphoid may manifest itself in turn necks. A symptom that even can occur with a paramyxovirus infection . The swivel neck is a result of impairment of the vestibular system. When the youngsters have paramyxovirus however, many remain attentive. In contrast,with paratyphoid, they will soon die.
The separation made between different forms is fundamentally unfair. These are all manifestations of the same disease. And it is certainly not true that all affected pigeons in a loft have the same symptoms. It is usually a mixture of various symptoms. Sometimes only a single symptom is present and the diagnosis is difficult.
Often the diagnosis is made by section. When in doubt, it is therefore so important to examine the birds.
In general one can say that youngsters have more severe symptoms than older birds. They are also more likely to succumb to the disease. The older birds are often chronic carriers of the bacteria as they survive chronic infection.
The definitive diagnosis is made by bacteriological examination. Especially in case of doubt it is important to carry out a bacteria culture on a sample collected from about five days. Only this way we can find out if there are shedder among the pigeons.
Treatment
Affected birds must be removed from the loft. Individual treatment of pigeons with marbocap may lead to recovery of the pigeons. But only if only the intestine is affected, these pigeons are fit to fly. In all other cases, they are only suitable for farming, at least if there has not occured permanent damage to the reproductive organs.
Furthermore, the hygiene has to be increased in the loft. Cleaning, disinfecting and burning certainly help but is not everything.
Feeding in the mangers in these situations is obvious.
Overcrowding and stress should be avoided wherever possible.
In addition, the provision of good acting drugs given to all the pigeons for a long time. Also increasing the overall resistance contributes to fighting the infection. Providing a resistance drink for a while is possible.
The medications to control paratyphoid are eligible trimsulfa and enrofloxacin (Baytril). In our center there is a slight preference for trimsulfa.
At least 14 days medication should be provided. In clinical outbreaks a vaccination is recommended after 14 days after which a good week of medication . Repetition of the grafting in clinical infections is recommended to build up the maximum immune support. Vaccinate youngsters at the age of 6 weeks. The elder birds in the off-season but at least three weeks before pairing. In this way, the highest possible protection is given to the youngsters. The treatment of paratyphoid discussed above is no guarantee that the infection will stay away . Paratyphoid is a persistent disease.
In case of a clinical outbreak it would be wise to check the droppings through cultures with great regularity.
Pigeons purchased,are best kept quarantined initially.
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: Pigeon Health etc -
I recently read a statement from a pigeon fancier that "everyone knew that you couldn't vaccinate against viruses". An alert other milker alerted this writer to his nonsensical remark, but the damage had already been done. The man received several likes and other supportive comments in which the people who responded all confirmed that you did not need to have studied to know that you could not vaccinate against viruses. It could not be written down further from the truth. Don't we all vaccinate our pigeons against paramyxo every year? Yet also a virus.
For the above reason, I want to talk about viruses. There is a lot to nuance. No, I am not going to praise the vaccine here. Know that I am very critical of vaccines. There are vaccines that, as carriers for the actual vaccine, sometimes contain substances that may be harmful to health. That vaccines are also being looked at critically is not bad at all. But we should not throw the baby away with the washing water. Vaccines belong under the magnifying glass at home, but we must not forget the life-saving potential of various vaccines. Life-saving and preventive against diseases that if one gets them are potentially fatal. Piece by piece.
The picture I now see, is that it would be wrong if you were for vaccination. I recently spoke to a fancier who told me that his pigeons had not been vaccinated against Paramyxo for 6 years. "Everyone knows that pigeons get sick from that vaccination ..." The conversation with the man then stopped because, given his prejudices, it was no use trying to convince him. Unfortunately, I hear and read more of these nonsense comments.
Paramyxo is a disease caused by a virus. So the enthusiast who stated that you cannot vaccinate against viruses, is completely wrong here. If we hadn't had any paramyxo vaccine then the pigeon sport would have ceased to exist in the 1980s.
But all in all, it might be good to pause for a moment to vaccinate pigeons.
We have a mandatory vaccination in Europe and that is the vaccination against the virus that causes the symptoms of paramyxo. Pigeons that have been vaccinated against this usually have no symptoms of this disease after a vaccination. It is officially recommended to vaccinate the younsters twice against this disease. Most enthusiasts would probably not be vaccinated against this disease at all, if it had not been made mandatory by the government. Two inoculations is therefore many bridges too far for most enthusiasts. Yet most enthusiasts would do a great deal to their pigeons. Indeed, there is another virus that is widespread among European pigeons. The Circovirus. This virus can occur in pigeons without apparently causing problems. That also applies to most viruses. It depends on the circumstances in which the host is located whether or not a virus strikes. Just think of people who suddenly seem to have a cold. Many of those people have the virus with them, but the circumstances must be favorable for the virus to strike.
The Circovirus can undermine the defense of the pigeons to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the time in life, at which the pigeons are infected with this virus and therefore also depending on the circumstances in which the pigeons find themselves. Both with regard to their environmental environment and also with regard to the internal environment, including the health of the gut microbiome. That many young pigeons get infected with this virus in their first year of life is a fact. Opponents of vaccination shout the loudest that this virus is not important for pigeons. I honestly doubt the truth of this comment.
When pigeons become infected with this virus at a young age, they are simply more susceptible to other infections, both of bacterial and viral origin. The pigeons are weakened. Their defense organ works less. Only you will not notice this at first. A person infected with the HIV virus also looks completely normal before it turns into AIDS.
It concerns two completely different viruses, but the situation is somewhat comparable because both viruses nestle in the defense organ of the victim. Infections that do little harm to pigeons can suddenly cause problems. For example, infections with the Herpes virus (subclinical) are all the more relevant in one go. This also applies to other infections and diseases. The impact of the pigeon's defense organ is limited.
Twenty-five years ago, no one barely mentioned Herpes and other viruses, such as the Rotavirus by pigeons. Now we know better and nowadays multiple infections, unlike in the past, are a problem.
It would be ideal if there was a vaccine against the Circovirus. By stopping this infection the health of the pigeons in general would probably improve drastically in the long term. Unfortunately, pigeon sport has become a niche market and the development of vaccines for pigeons is not a high priority for many companies. Information gathered from a viruloog learned that it is also much more difficult to develop a vaccine against the Circovirus than against other viruses. In practice, a number of enthusiasts vaccinate against this infection with a vaccine intended for pigs. It is a dead vaccine. So there is no longer any living virus. Enthusiasts report positive effects after the vaccination. However, we were able to demonstrate the virus in the manure of these vaccinated pigeons. Nevertheless, the enthusiasts were very satisfied with the health status of their pigeons. The question is and remains for the time being whether this vaccine actually helps or not. More research is needed.
When we were at the fair in Kassel, the organizer of a one-loft race asked me what our secret was. Almost all the pigeons they had in their loft, had become quite ill, many pigeons had died, but not our pigeons. They had not been bothered by anything. The man did not know that we had decided on a number of one-loft races in which we participated to give the pigeons only the obligatory paramyxoing and to vaccinate pigeons three times against 5 diseases in other races. Similarly the pigeons in his one loft race. These pigeons had not become ill, where all the other pigeons in that loft had been. The comment from the enthusiast who told me that vaccination pigeons get sick should be wrong. Not only did we not have any sick pigeons, we also obtained the As pigeon in that one loft race!
I am therefore of the opinion that the vaccination of pigeons with good vaccine can prevent a lot of misery by protecting the pigeons against unnecessary diseases.
For me, this means that if people only want to vaccinate the pigeons once, they can save money better. Then just stick to the mandatory vaccination. Freedom happiness. Everyone must do what they think is right. But don't spend unnecessary money if you don't want to do it right. For a good protection against various diseases at least a double vaccination is necessary with three weeks apart. So do it right or don't do it at all. But do not do half a job, because vaccines are wrongly given a bad name.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, a combination vaccine has now been officially registered that works against Paramyxovirus, Herpesvirus, and Adenovirus. (PHA) As far as the last component is concerned, I still have a certain skepticism, because there are so many different Adenoviruses. In addition, a cominogen appeared on the market at the end of 2018 that works against Rotavirus and Paramyxovirus (RP). From my own experience I know that this vaccine seems to work well.
Vaccines against smallpox infections are also available. This is also a virus infection. We see that vaccination against viruses is therefore especially important. That must be because there are no notable medications against this type of infection that really work. With bacterial infections, we soon end up with the paratyphoid vaccine. Both live and dead vaccines exist. Most vaccines against viral diseases are usually among the dead vaccines. Only the available smallpox vaccine is a live vaccine.
As a rule of thumb it can be assumed that for live vaccines, the vaccine consists of a freeze-dried pill with which the dissolving liquid is supplied. This type of vaccine has a very limited shelf life and must be used one after the other.
The age for vaccination is also important. As mentioned, we see infection with the Circovirus in many young pigeons. If a pigeon is infected with this virus, there is a good chance that only a more limited immune response will occur after a vaccination. This means that the resistance to diseases can only develop to a limited extent. If pigeons are now vaccinated before they are infected with this Circovirus, they can still respond well to vaccination. That is why we advise you to vaccinate the young pigeons' lives in the clinic. Certainly now that research by Professor Duchatel of the University of Liège has established that vaccination at a young age does not interfere with the protection that the young has received through the egg.
Because we want to give our youngsters who go to the one loft races good protection, the pigeons get the first vaccination at the age of 22 days. Three weeks later, just before departure, they will be boosted again. We have good experiences with extensive cocktail vaccinations. As mentioned earlier, our pigeons proved to be well protected against a massive disease outbreak, which unfortunately broke out on one of these one-loft races.
For pigeons that are simply played at home, there is of course more room for maneuver. However, the booster vaccination remains important. As mentioned earlier, it is better to save the vaccination money if you only intend to vaccinate once and not to boost.
A point has yet to be pointed out here. Many enthusiasts wait as long as possible to vaccinate, because nowadays many youngsters get away. Also at home. By vaccinating late one runs the risk of performing the stress action if the pigeons are already surrounded by viruses that emerge in the later spring. Every season has its own virus pressure. In the fall and winter we see the flu viruses appear again in people. In May and June this is the Adenovirus for pigeons. We already see the Rotavirus in the past.
Our advice. If you are concerned about the costs of early vaccination, consider keeping fewer pigeons that you care for optimally. Probably it is more useful than many pigeons to be vaccinated (too) late.
For the above reason, I want to talk about viruses. There is a lot to nuance. No, I am not going to praise the vaccine here. Know that I am very critical of vaccines. There are vaccines that, as carriers for the actual vaccine, sometimes contain substances that may be harmful to health. That vaccines are also being looked at critically is not bad at all. But we should not throw the baby away with the washing water. Vaccines belong under the magnifying glass at home, but we must not forget the life-saving potential of various vaccines. Life-saving and preventive against diseases that if one gets them are potentially fatal. Piece by piece.
The picture I now see, is that it would be wrong if you were for vaccination. I recently spoke to a fancier who told me that his pigeons had not been vaccinated against Paramyxo for 6 years. "Everyone knows that pigeons get sick from that vaccination ..." The conversation with the man then stopped because, given his prejudices, it was no use trying to convince him. Unfortunately, I hear and read more of these nonsense comments.
Paramyxo is a disease caused by a virus. So the enthusiast who stated that you cannot vaccinate against viruses, is completely wrong here. If we hadn't had any paramyxo vaccine then the pigeon sport would have ceased to exist in the 1980s.
But all in all, it might be good to pause for a moment to vaccinate pigeons.
We have a mandatory vaccination in Europe and that is the vaccination against the virus that causes the symptoms of paramyxo. Pigeons that have been vaccinated against this usually have no symptoms of this disease after a vaccination. It is officially recommended to vaccinate the younsters twice against this disease. Most enthusiasts would probably not be vaccinated against this disease at all, if it had not been made mandatory by the government. Two inoculations is therefore many bridges too far for most enthusiasts. Yet most enthusiasts would do a great deal to their pigeons. Indeed, there is another virus that is widespread among European pigeons. The Circovirus. This virus can occur in pigeons without apparently causing problems. That also applies to most viruses. It depends on the circumstances in which the host is located whether or not a virus strikes. Just think of people who suddenly seem to have a cold. Many of those people have the virus with them, but the circumstances must be favorable for the virus to strike.
The Circovirus can undermine the defense of the pigeons to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the time in life, at which the pigeons are infected with this virus and therefore also depending on the circumstances in which the pigeons find themselves. Both with regard to their environmental environment and also with regard to the internal environment, including the health of the gut microbiome. That many young pigeons get infected with this virus in their first year of life is a fact. Opponents of vaccination shout the loudest that this virus is not important for pigeons. I honestly doubt the truth of this comment.
When pigeons become infected with this virus at a young age, they are simply more susceptible to other infections, both of bacterial and viral origin. The pigeons are weakened. Their defense organ works less. Only you will not notice this at first. A person infected with the HIV virus also looks completely normal before it turns into AIDS.
It concerns two completely different viruses, but the situation is somewhat comparable because both viruses nestle in the defense organ of the victim. Infections that do little harm to pigeons can suddenly cause problems. For example, infections with the Herpes virus (subclinical) are all the more relevant in one go. This also applies to other infections and diseases. The impact of the pigeon's defense organ is limited.
Twenty-five years ago, no one barely mentioned Herpes and other viruses, such as the Rotavirus by pigeons. Now we know better and nowadays multiple infections, unlike in the past, are a problem.
It would be ideal if there was a vaccine against the Circovirus. By stopping this infection the health of the pigeons in general would probably improve drastically in the long term. Unfortunately, pigeon sport has become a niche market and the development of vaccines for pigeons is not a high priority for many companies. Information gathered from a viruloog learned that it is also much more difficult to develop a vaccine against the Circovirus than against other viruses. In practice, a number of enthusiasts vaccinate against this infection with a vaccine intended for pigs. It is a dead vaccine. So there is no longer any living virus. Enthusiasts report positive effects after the vaccination. However, we were able to demonstrate the virus in the manure of these vaccinated pigeons. Nevertheless, the enthusiasts were very satisfied with the health status of their pigeons. The question is and remains for the time being whether this vaccine actually helps or not. More research is needed.
When we were at the fair in Kassel, the organizer of a one-loft race asked me what our secret was. Almost all the pigeons they had in their loft, had become quite ill, many pigeons had died, but not our pigeons. They had not been bothered by anything. The man did not know that we had decided on a number of one-loft races in which we participated to give the pigeons only the obligatory paramyxoing and to vaccinate pigeons three times against 5 diseases in other races. Similarly the pigeons in his one loft race. These pigeons had not become ill, where all the other pigeons in that loft had been. The comment from the enthusiast who told me that vaccination pigeons get sick should be wrong. Not only did we not have any sick pigeons, we also obtained the As pigeon in that one loft race!
I am therefore of the opinion that the vaccination of pigeons with good vaccine can prevent a lot of misery by protecting the pigeons against unnecessary diseases.
For me, this means that if people only want to vaccinate the pigeons once, they can save money better. Then just stick to the mandatory vaccination. Freedom happiness. Everyone must do what they think is right. But don't spend unnecessary money if you don't want to do it right. For a good protection against various diseases at least a double vaccination is necessary with three weeks apart. So do it right or don't do it at all. But do not do half a job, because vaccines are wrongly given a bad name.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, a combination vaccine has now been officially registered that works against Paramyxovirus, Herpesvirus, and Adenovirus. (PHA) As far as the last component is concerned, I still have a certain skepticism, because there are so many different Adenoviruses. In addition, a cominogen appeared on the market at the end of 2018 that works against Rotavirus and Paramyxovirus (RP). From my own experience I know that this vaccine seems to work well.
Vaccines against smallpox infections are also available. This is also a virus infection. We see that vaccination against viruses is therefore especially important. That must be because there are no notable medications against this type of infection that really work. With bacterial infections, we soon end up with the paratyphoid vaccine. Both live and dead vaccines exist. Most vaccines against viral diseases are usually among the dead vaccines. Only the available smallpox vaccine is a live vaccine.
As a rule of thumb it can be assumed that for live vaccines, the vaccine consists of a freeze-dried pill with which the dissolving liquid is supplied. This type of vaccine has a very limited shelf life and must be used one after the other.
The age for vaccination is also important. As mentioned, we see infection with the Circovirus in many young pigeons. If a pigeon is infected with this virus, there is a good chance that only a more limited immune response will occur after a vaccination. This means that the resistance to diseases can only develop to a limited extent. If pigeons are now vaccinated before they are infected with this Circovirus, they can still respond well to vaccination. That is why we advise you to vaccinate the young pigeons' lives in the clinic. Certainly now that research by Professor Duchatel of the University of Liège has established that vaccination at a young age does not interfere with the protection that the young has received through the egg.
Because we want to give our youngsters who go to the one loft races good protection, the pigeons get the first vaccination at the age of 22 days. Three weeks later, just before departure, they will be boosted again. We have good experiences with extensive cocktail vaccinations. As mentioned earlier, our pigeons proved to be well protected against a massive disease outbreak, which unfortunately broke out on one of these one-loft races.
For pigeons that are simply played at home, there is of course more room for maneuver. However, the booster vaccination remains important. As mentioned earlier, it is better to save the vaccination money if you only intend to vaccinate once and not to boost.
A point has yet to be pointed out here. Many enthusiasts wait as long as possible to vaccinate, because nowadays many youngsters get away. Also at home. By vaccinating late one runs the risk of performing the stress action if the pigeons are already surrounded by viruses that emerge in the later spring. Every season has its own virus pressure. In the fall and winter we see the flu viruses appear again in people. In May and June this is the Adenovirus for pigeons. We already see the Rotavirus in the past.
Our advice. If you are concerned about the costs of early vaccination, consider keeping fewer pigeons that you care for optimally. Probably it is more useful than many pigeons to be vaccinated (too) late.