Homing Pigeon Diseases, Prevention and Treatment
Like most animals and birds, homing pigeons can be hosts to various diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans.
Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are those diseases that are shared by animals and humans. Approximately 150 zoonotic diseases are known to exist.
Mold
Histoplasmosis is probably the most common and dreaded disease associated with pigeons and their caretakers. Histoplasmosis is a fungal lung disease that can be transmitted from pigeons and other birds to humans via dust and dander. Under damp and humid conditions in some parts of the country, mold can grow in an aviary. The mold mixes with dirt and dander. When the feather dander and dust are disturbed and fly in the air, the mold can be inhaled and lodged in the lungs, where it can multiply if not caught and treated. The dove worker can take the following steps to avoid infection:
(1) A loft off the ground with a cement foundation is easier to clean and is not likely to create such moldy conditions.
(2) The pigeon loft or house should include plenty of windows for air cireculation.
(3) Water should be given to the pigeons outside the loft or house to prevent humidity.
(4) The dove worker should spray a light mist of water on the dirt before stirring the dust and dander.
(5) The dove worker should wear work cloths, rubber boots, and a dust mask when cleaning the aviary. Those clothes should be washed separately and the boots should be kept outdoors.
(6) The dove worker should inspect and clean the loft regularly, at least once a month. Dander should be kept to a minimum during molting season in the fall. Flying the birds at this time is a good way to keep feather dander to a minimum and keep the birds in top shape!
(7) Keep the flock to a manageable size to prevent overcrowding and disease.
(8) The birds should take regular baths to get rid of the dust and dander. Two baths a week is sufficient. The birds will stay healthy and look as white as snow!
Bacterial Diseases
Chlamydia and Salmonella can also be transmitted from birds to humans. Here common sense applies: The dove worker should disinfect the aviary regularly and wash his or her hands after handling the birds to wash off the bacteria.
Viral Diseases
Although rare, birds can transmit influenza to humans. This disease usually starts with wild ducks or geese and spreads to domestic birds and then to humans. It is belived that the deadly Spanish flu of 1918 spread this way, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. It disappeared as mysteriously as it came. Here again, common sense prevails. The dove worker should grandually introduce new birds into the flock. The dove worker should have a holding loft, where sick birds and new birds can be quarantined and treated until they are free of disease. The dove worker should also keep the aviary clean. Disinfectant sprays or bleach solutions can be used to kill most of viruses.
External Parasites
Like most birds, pigeon can be host to vector, including pigeon fleas, flies, mites, and lice. The dove worker should put a container with water outside the aviary for the birds to bathe once of twice a week , which will keep the birds clean and wash off any vectors and their eggs. The dove worker should regularly inspect and clean the aviary at least once a month to keep these external parasites under control. Click this link for an excellent article about keeping your aviary and birds free of external paraistes.
Internal Parasites and Diseases
Homing pigeons can carry various internal parasites, including worms, which can be treated with medicine. Oropharma provides useful information about common pigeon diseases and their treatment.
Bottom Line
Like most animals and birds, pigeons can carry disease. The best way to keep them healthy is to keep the aviary, food, and water clean and disinfected. The dove worker should have a medicine chest readily available in case the birds get sick. It's good for you, and it's good for the birds.
