SECTION VII_The Homing Pigeon

DISEASES AND MEDICINES

47. General

Certain diseases attack pigeons. Normal preventive methods usually

protect pigeons from disease. If, however, these diseases are not

detected immediately, they are likely to sweep through the loft,

destroying or ruining most of the birds. It is necessary, therefore,

that the pigeoneer be able to detect, correctly diagnose, and treat the

more common pigeon diseases, in addition to taking preventive measures.

48. Prevention of Disease

Disease prevention is much simpler and cheaper than control or cure.

Medicines are only emergency measures used in an attempt to overcome

disease.

_a._ SANITATION. This is the most important way of preventing disease

and its value should never be underestimated. The following rules for

sanitation in the care of pigeons must be strictly adhered to:

(1) Keep loft clean and dry.

(2) Keep drinking fountain clean and water free from pollution.

(3) Quarantine new stock until certain that all birds are free from

disease.

(4) Never permit stray pigeons, wild birds, or rodents (mice, rats,

etc.) to enter the loft.

(5) Never feed pigeons on a dirty floor, because most of the more

serious diseases are transmitted through the droppings.

(6) Bury or burn diseased birds that have been destroyed.

(7) Immediately isolate birds showing any signs of sickness.

(8) After touching diseased birds disinfect the hands before handling

other birds.

(9) Thoroughly clean and disinfect lofts contaminated by disease.

_b._ LOFT CONDITION. Pigeons must never be crowded in the loft. It is

best to subdivide large lofts into smaller compartments for better

control and ease of observation. Sunlight and dryness are two great

natural disinfectants which should be utilized fully through plenty of

window space and adequate ventilation. Eliminate strong direct drafts

because they chill birds and lower their resistance to disease.

49. Control of Disease

_a._ Pigeons showing any signs of sickness must be segregated

immediately. In combat lofts there is normally no place available to

isolate and treat diseased birds, therefore, it is usually advisable to

destroy them and burn or bury their remains to avoid contaminating the

rest of the flock.

_b._ In any case of disease, the loft should be thoroughly cleaned and

disinfected to destroy the germs of the disease as well as the mites

and lice which may be carriers. Cresol, saponated solution, is an

efficient disinfectant when used in a 4-percent solution in warm or

hot water. This disinfectant is issued to signal pigeon companies.

50. Anatomy and Physiology

A knowledge of the structure and function of the bird’s body helps

a pigeoneer understand his birds and certain of their diseases. For

convenience, the various organs are divided into groups or systems

according to their functions.

_a._ RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. (1) Mouth and nostrils admit air.

(2) Glottis or larynx is the opening into the trachea.

(3) Trachea conducts air to and from the lungs.

(4) Lungs are organs of gaseous interchange. Air spaces are surrounded

by a network of capillaries. Here the blood gives off carbon dioxide

and takes on oxygen.

(5) Nine air sacs cool the pigeon, give it buoyance, and mechanically

aid the pigeon to breathe.

_b._ DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. (1) Mouth is the opening through which food is

received.

(2) Esophagus conducts food to the crop.

(3) Crop, or ingluvius, stores and softens the food.

(4) True stomach, or proventriculus, furnishes gastric digestive juices

that digest proteins and carbohydrates.

(5) Gizzard is the grinding and mixing organ.

(6) Pancreas furnishes digestive juices that digest fats, proteins, and

carbohydrates, besides furnishing certain internal secretions.

(7) Liver produces bile which helps digest food.

[Illustration: _Figure 40. Loft cleaning equipment._

TL70209]

(8) Intestines provide space for food while it is being digested

and absorbed by the blood stream. The intestines also furnish some

digestive juices.

_c._ CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. The circulatory system consists of the heart,

arteries, veins, and capillaries. Its function is to convey nourishing

blood from the heart to all parts of the body and to dispose of the

waste material produced by the working tissues. The heart consists

of four chambers: two ventricles and two auricles. The right auricle

receives the stale blood from the veins and pumps it into the right

ventricle which pumps it through an artery to the lungs. Here waste

matter, such as carbon dioxide, is eliminated from the blood and fresh

oxygen is restored. The blood then returns to the heart through a vein

entering the left auricle. Proceeding from the left auricle to the left

ventricle, it is pumped out through the arteries to the capillaries,

which are the smallest vessels of the body. The capillaries circulate

the blood through every tissue of the body, dispensing oxygen and food.

The blood then picks up waste material on its return to the heart

through the veins. The circulation of blood in the pigeon is very

rapid, and with the heart beating 200 to 300 times a minute, only a few

minutes are required to complete the circuit.

_d._ REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. (1) Male birds have two testes (testicles).

(2) Female birds have one (left) ovary and one oviduct, or egg tube,

through which the yolks pass to get the albumin, shell membrane, and

shell.

_e._ URINARY SYSTEM. The kidneys take impurities out of the blood, and

pass them into the cloaca (combination bladder and rectum).

51. Indications of Sickness

_a._ The common indications of sickness are—

(1) Refusing to eat.

(2) Dull, watery eyes.

(3) Droopy appearance with ruffled feathers and no desire to move.

(4) Green, watery droppings. If such droppings are noted in the loft

all birds should be watched until the sick one is detected.

_b._ The easiest and best way to detect sick pigeons is to observe the

birds at feeding time. The pigeoneer should also examine all birds as

they are being basketed for training tosses.

52. Diseases

Pigeons are subject to numerous infectious and contagious diseases.

These diseases are caused by germs such as bacteria and viruses, and

are transmitted in poor feed, dirty water, unclean lofts, and similar

conditions showing mismanagement. Infectious diseases are contagious if

the birds themselves transmit germs to one another.

_a. Pigeon pox_ is a common infectious, contagious disease which

usually affects unfeathered portions of the pigeon’s head and feet.

Pox often develop on the mucous membrane, lining of the mouth and

throat. In an outbreak, both types are usually seen. The pox appear as

swellings covered with light yellow material and are sometimes called

wet pock, diphtheria, or canker.

(1) _Symptoms._ The course of the disease runs about 4 weeks.

(_a_) The virus gets into the skin or mucous membrane and causes a

wartlike swelling, called a pock, at the point of infection. The virus

grows and causes the pock to enlarge for about 10 days.

(_b_) During the next 10 days the tissues begin to die and turn

yellow. Sometimes a blister forms in the pock, but only a slight

enlargement occurs during this period. During the last 10 days the

affected tissues begin to dry and form scabs which soon heal and drop

off.

(_c_) Pock in the mouth and throat follows the same course as in (_b_)

above except they are covered with a light yellow layer of tissues.

Instead of becoming a dry scab formation, the pock becomes a yellow

cheesy formation.

(2) _Treatment._ Usually this is of little value, as pox will run its

course of about 4 weeks, regardless of treatment.

(_a_) One percent yellow oxide of mercury ointment will help soothe

affected eyes.

(_b_) Pock in the mouth may be cut away, and the area painted with

tincture of iodine or carefully cauterized with silver nitrate to stop

bleeding.

(_c_) Birds that refuse to eat may be fed by force until the disease

runs its course.

(_d_) Vaccination has no curative value on affected birds.

(_e_) Thoroughly clean and disinfect loft after an outbreak of this

disease.

(3) _Prevention._ This is simple if all susceptible birds are

vaccinated. Vaccination against pox is one of the most successful known

because all birds receiving it are made permanently immune. Birds may

be vaccinated at 5 or 6 weeks of age.

(_a_) Pluck five or six feathers from the breast region of the bird and

brush the vaccine into the follicles.

(_b_) In about 10 days the follicles swell and a pock develops. This

runs a course of about 4 weeks and heals.

(_c_) All susceptible birds in a loft should be vaccinated at the same

time and each should be examined for “takes” after vaccinations.

_b._ PARATYPHOID is a common infectious disease of pigeons and is

probably the most devastating of bacterial infectious diseases at

the present time. It may affect the bird in many ways, and produce

such a variety of symptoms that it is often mistaken for numerous

other diseases. The only definite way of diagnosing paratyphoid is by

laboratory tests. A tentative diagnosis can be made, however, upon

observing typical symptoms.

(1) _Symptoms._ The course of the disease varies from a rapidly fatal

blood poisoning to a slow, chronic disease with, or without, complete

recovery. The infection may take place through the egg, by way of milk

fed to youngsters, or by contaminated feed, water, and grit. The manner

of infection has no bearing on the course of the disease. The germs may

get into the blood-stream, go all through the body, and cause sudden

death; or the infection may be less severe and localize in any one of

the numerous organs.

(_a_) Bacteria may localize in the intestines and produce mild to very

severe inflammation. This usually results in diarrhea.

(_b_) Localizations in the lungs are very common and appear as hard,

dried abscesses. These are seldom so serious as to cause respiratory

distress.

(_c_) Joint boils result from direct localization of the germs in the

joints of the legs or wings. Naturally this produces lameness.

(_d_) Inflammatory reactions of the spleen and liver are often the

result of the localization of the germ in these organs. Chronic

inflammation of the entire liver is also observed. The abdomen of such

birds usually fills with fluid and the bird then gets thin and dies.

(_e_) Paratyphoid germs quite often localize in the brain and cause

abscess formation. Such abscesses cause a variety of symptoms,

depending on which part of the brain is involved. Usually the bird

shows loss of equilibrium. It may twist its head and neck about, show

trembling of the head and neck, or other nervous symptoms. Such birds

rarely recover.

(_f_) Occasionally the germ will localize in the eye. The inside of the

eye turns white and sight is lost. Only rarely are both eyes involved.

Such birds appear to be very ill and usually die in a short period of

time.

(_g_) Germs may localize in the ovary of the female or testes of the

male. Such birds may show no symptoms, or they may become sterile. Eggs

laid by such birds may be infertile. Youngsters, if hatched, may be

weak and die soon after. Germs may localize in the oviduct and cause an

impacted oviduct.

(_h_) The only definite way of diagnosing paratyphoid is by laboratory

tests. A tentative diagnosis can be made, however, upon observing the

typical symptoms.

(2) _Treatment._ Treatment is useless for visibly affected birds.

Neither drugs nor vaccines seem to be of any value in treating this

condition. Many birds recover from mild infections without treatment.

Therefore, the best possible care should be provided for the birds

in order to keep their resistance high so that they can successfully

combat the infection and overcome disease.

(3) _Prevention._ Since contamination of feed, water, and grit by

droppings is probably the greatest cause of paratyphoid, sanitation is

the best preventive.

(_a_) Clean the loft scrupulously.

(_b_) Maintain sanitary drinking fountains with fresh water to avoid

spreading infection by way of water. Take special care to prevent

dampness from spillage or leakage around the drinking fountain, as this

makes an ideal place for bacteria to accumulate.

(_c_) Feces from birds with diarrhea should be removed from the loft as

soon as noticed.

(_d_) Frequent disinfection of the loft with a strong disinfectant like

4 percent saponified cresol will help keep down contamination.

_c._ TRICHOMONIASIS. This is a very common disease of pigeons commonly

seen in the mouth, esophagus, or crop in the form of cheesy yellow or

white lesions. For this reason it is often called “canker” by pigeon

fanciers. The cause is a motile one-celled organism. Only the common

type of this organism will be considered here. This disease has many

carriers. It shows up only where sanitary conditions are bad or other

diseases are present.

(1) _Symptoms._ The course of the disease varies according to

resistance of the affected bird, treatment, and care. Young birds in

the nest become infected through “milk” of infected parents. Infection

doubtless spreads by contact while “billing” and fighting. Germs cause

affected tissues to die. This results in the formation of a sore or

opening down into the tissue with a varying-sized yellow, cheesy

exudate or scab forming over it. Sometimes such scabs become very large

and nearly fill the mouth, throat, or crop.

(2) _Treatment._ Various drugs and chemicals have been used to treat

trichomoniasis. However, this condition has proved quite unresponsive

to usual medication. In fact, drugs do not have much, if any, direct

effect on the healing of tissue. All that medicine can do is to cut

down the number of parasites present and permit nature to repair the

damage done to the tissue. Suggested procedures for treatment follow:

(_a_) Remove all yellow pus patches with cotton swabs. Then paint area

with a mixture of iodized oil and sulfanilamide powder. The iodized oil

is prepared by using 1 gram iodine, 1.5 grams potassium iodide, and 2

ounces light petrolatum. The iodine requires some time and frequent

shaking to dissolve. Make a small cotton swab on an applicator stick,

dip it into the oil, roll it in the sulfanilamide powder, and then

apply to cleaned trichomoniasis (canker) lesion. Daily treatment, rest,

and an abundance of good feed are necessary.

(_b_) Clean off exudate by local applications of tincture of iodine,

or a mixture of one part iodine to three parts glycerine; at the same

time lesions will respond to such treatment. Silver nitrate may be used

either in stick form or in solution.

(3) _Prevention._ Sanitation is the best preventive.

(_a_) Correct predisposing causes such as wet floors, nests, and

perches.

(_b_) Try to isolate infected birds, provided the number is not too

large.

(_c_) Attempt to control spread of parasitic infestation by using a

parasiticide like copper sulphate in the drinking water. This is used

in a 1-2000 solution.

_d._ TUBERCULOSIS. This is an infectious and highly contagious disease

caused by a highly-resistant germ which can live in soil for 2 years.

(1) _Symptoms._ The young die suddenly and old birds waste away.

Grayish white nodules appear in liver and spleen, basket ulcers in

intestines, and yellow nodules in all parts of the body.

(2) _Treatment._ There is no treatment for tuberculosis. Destroy all

affected birds and thoroughly clean and disinfect loft.

(3) _Prevention._ Keep all stray pigeons out of loft and maintain

sanitary conditions at all times.

_e._ ONE-EYE COLD (CONJUNCTIVITUS). (1) _Symptoms._ There is a watery

discharge from the eye, and the surrounding membranes are frequently

swollen.

(2) _Treatment._ Place bird in a warm room and treat eye daily with one

drop of metaphin, or one drop of 15 percent argyrol.

(3) _Prevention._ Provide proper ventilation in the loft. Avoid

dampness and drafts.

_f._ GOING LIGHT. This is not a disease in itself but a symptom or

result of a disease. Any pigeon showing loss of flesh should be

isolated and observed until the affecting disease is determined.

_g._ DIARRHEA. This is not usually a distinct disease, but the result

of some other disease.

(1) _Symptoms._ Droppings are green and watery.

(2) _Treatment._ Sick birds should be isolated and observed to

determine if they have some other disease. Feeding of rice will usually

check the condition if it is caused by feed or drinking water.

(3) _Prevention._ Sanitary loft conditions, proper diet, and fresh

drinking water will help prevent it.

_h._ SOUR CROP. Sour crop is caused by damp or mouldy grain, impure

water or lack of grit.

(1) _Symptoms._ The pigeon will sit with feathers ruffled. A greenish

diarrhea usually accompanies sour crop. On examination the crop is

found to be hard and distended.

(2) _Treatment._ Hold the bird with head down and gently press on

the crop until all feed has been removed. Flush out the crop with a

solution of 4 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda to a quart of warm

water. Feed a light mixture, consisting mostly of rice, millet, kaffir

corn, and other small seeds. Repeat the cleaning and flushing of the

crop daily, if necessary, until this condition clears.

(3) _Prevention._ Sanitary loft conditions, proper diet, and fresh

drinking water will help prevent it.

53. External Parasites

Many insects and related species live off other animals. Some of these

parasites, like lice, live on the host but feed only upon bits of its

feathers and tiny scales and excretions of the skin. Others are more

vicious and suck blood from the animal. Diseases are often spread from

bird to bird through the life habits of these parasites.

_a._ LICE. Lice are undoubtedly the most common of these external

parasites.

(1) _Different species._ There are at least six different species of

lice that attack pigeons in this country. The three most common are—

(_a_) _Feather louse._ This is the long, slender species that lives on

the barbs and shaft of the feather over nearly any part of the bird’s

body.

(_b_) _Golden feather louse._ This louse is a little shorter and much

broader and lives on the feathers, particularly on the bird’s body.

(_c_) _Body louse._ This is the largest of the pigeon lice. It lives on

the skin rather than on the feathers. It is thought that these lice,

by biting the very young pin feathers when they are filled with blood,

cause the small pinhole perforations often seen in pigeon feathers.

[Illustration: _Figure 41. Life cycle of pigeon lice._

TL70210]

(2) _Habits_ (fig. 41). In order to combat lice properly and

intelligently, it is necessary to know something about where and how

they feed, live, and breed.

(_a_) Adult lice live on the skin and feathers of the bird and only

rarely leave the pigeon. When accidentally dislodged, they crawl very

short distances to other birds. Lice cannot live longer than a few days

away from the birds.

(_b_) Lice eat bits of feathers, scales, and other debris off the skin.

They do not suck blood.

(_c_) Female lice lay eggs (nits) along the shafts of the feathers,

particularly on the primary coverts.

(_d_) Louse eggs hatch in 10 to 14 days.

(_e_) Young lice eat, molt (3 to 5 times), and grow to maturity in

about 14 days.

(3) _Diagnosis._ Infested pigeons are restless and constantly pick and

scratch in an effort to dislodge the lice. Heavily infested birds may

become weak and thin because the constant annoying movement of lice

interferes with their proper relaxation and rest. Careful examination

of the birds will reveal the lice.

[Illustration: _Figure 42. Life cycle of common red mite._

TL70211]

(4) _Treatment._ The use of sodium fluoride is a good standard method

for ridding pigeons of lice. It can be applied in two ways:

(_a_) _Dip method_ is very efficient, but can be used only in warm

weather. Birds should be dipped on a warm, sunny day early enough so

they will dry before night. Each bird is immersed into the solution

up to the head, and the feathers ruffled to allow penetration of the

solution. Then the mouth and nostrils are held shut and the head

immersed. The dip is made of 1 gallon warm water, and 1 ounce sodium

fluoride.

(_b_) _Dust method_ may be used at any time. The birds are held while

a few pinches of powdered sodium fluoride are dusted into the feathers

over various parts of the body. Sodium fluoride poisons lice when

they eat it. Efficiency in delousing birds depends on thoroughness of

wetting or dusting.

(5) _Repeat treatment._ Neither method above will kill nits nor prevent

them from hatching; therefore, the delousing must be repeated in 10 to

14 days in order to kill newly hatched lice.

(6) _Prevention._ Normally, only pigeons carry pigeon lice. For this

reason, the spread of lice to or from other kinds of birds is of no

concern. However, common pigeons and stragglers are prolific sources of

spread. Contact in crates is also a common source of infestation. Lice

are often brushed from infested birds onto the hands and clothing of

pigeoneers who later carry them to clean birds handled later.

_b._ RED MITES. Red mites are a common parasite of the pigeon.

(1) _Habits_ (fig. 42). It is important to note the difference between

the habits of lice and mites.

(_a_) Mites live in, on, and under the nest bowls, nest boxes, and any

available crack or crevice.

(_b_) Mites go onto the birds only long enough to feed—usually about

1/2 hour.

(_c_) Red mites suck blood from the pigeons. It is the engorged blood

that makes the mite red.

(_d_) Mite eggs are deposited in the cracks and crevices or debris

around the nest box where they live.

(_e_) Eggs hatch in 2 or more days, according to weather conditions.

(_f_) Newly-hatched mites mature in about 5 days.

(2) _Diagnosis._ Pigeon’s loss of condition is the most evident

indication of mite infestation. Actual loss of blood is probably less

harmful to the bird than annoyance caused by crawling and biting of

mites.

(3) _Treatment._ Most good disinfectants supplied to lofts will kill

mites satisfactorily if worked well into all cracks and crevices.

Oily disinfectants are inexpensive and very effective, but leave the

loft rather unsightly. Whitewash kills only by covering up and is

ineffective if any areas are missed. For this reason, some of the more

refined cresols are used. Four percent saponified cresol in warm water

is quite effective.

(4) _Repeat._ Since the cresol does not kill the eggs, it is necessary

to repeat treatment in 5 to 7 days.

(5) _Prevention._ Mites that attack pigeons are apparently the same

as found on other birds, including domestic poultry. Therefore, wild

birds, straggling pigeons, and neighborhood poultry are possible

sources of infection. Light, dry, airy lofts do not favor breeding of

mites.

_c._ Pigeon flies which are particularly troublesome in warm climates

are true flies with short, flat, wide bodies and long wings.

(1) _Life cycle_ (fig. 46). (_a_) Pigeon flies live among body feathers.

(_b_) They leave the birds only to deposit larvae, or when disturbed.

(_c_) Adult flies suck blood from the birds.

(_d_) Female flies deposit living larvae in or around the nest bowl,

nest box, or around the loft.

(_e_) Newly deposited larvae are white and about the size of a small

buck shot. Within a few hours, a hard shell forms around them and they

turn from white to brown and then to jet black.

(_f_) Young flies emerge from these shells in about 30 days and are

ready for their first meal of blood.

[Illustration: _Figure 43. Life cycle of pigeon fly._

TL70212]

(2) _Diagnosis._ Pigeon flies can easily be observed crawling among

the bird’s feathers. Their movement as well as biting greatly annoys

the birds. However, the greatest damage they do is transmitting pigeon

malaria.

(3) _Treatment._ A very effective and easily applied method of

treatment is to dust the birds lightly with pyrethrum powder. Sweep

nest boxes and loft carefully to collect pupae so that they can be

destroyed. Pigeon flies will not travel far from the birds; therefore,

keep stragglers out of loft and carefully inspect newly-introduced

birds to avoid admitting flies.

_d._ MOSQUITOES. Mosquitoes are a very common but usually

underestimated pest. Besides molesting the birds by biting and sucking

blood, they may transmit pox. These troublesome insects breed in

standing water, such as swampy areas, old tin cans, and rain barrels.

Control consists of draining or oiling breeding places and using

screens on loft openings.

_e._ Other parasites attacking pigeons are fleas, chiggers, ticks,

bed bugs, depluming mites, feather mites, air sac mites, subcutaneous

mites, sand flies, and beetle larvae. Fortunately, these are rare.

54. Internal Parasites

These are the worms that live inside pigeons. Round worms are by far

the most numerous. Tape worms are occasionally found in pigeons, but

seldom present a serious problem.

_a._ Ascarids, or common large round worms are the largest and most

prevalent of the round worms. Adult worms are from 1 to 2 inches long.

(1) _Habits._ Knowledge of the life cycle of a round worm is of great

importance for successful control of this troublesome parasite. This

worm has a “direct” life cycle (fig. 47) (completing it in one species).

(_a_) Mature worms live in the upper part of the small intestines and

feed by absorbing food from the intestinal contents through their own

body walls.

(_b_) Eggs (ova) are deposited by female worms in the intestinal

contents of the pigeon, and later pass out in the pigeon droppings. It

has been estimated that female worms lay as many as 12,000 eggs a day.

Feces from parasitized birds often contain countless numbers of ova.

(_c_) Freshly deposited worm eggs are much like freshly laid pigeon

eggs, in that they must be incubated before they are ready to hatch.

They need to remain in warm, moist litter or soil for 10 to 16 days

before the worm larvae can develop. Severe freezing, excessively hot

soil, and direct sunlight will destroy the eggs.

(_d_) When birds eat the incubated eggs, the worms hatch out in their

intestines.

(_e_) The tiny larvae then “sew” themselves into the lining of the

intestines and begin to grow.

(_f_) After a few days, the larvae crawl back into the intestinal canal

where they mature in 30 to 40 days.

(2) _Diagnosis._ Ascarids injure birds in several ways.

(_a_) When the newly hatched worm “sews” itself into the intestinal

lining the area around the puncture becomes inflamed because of

mechanical injury, loss of blood, and introduced infection. This

localized inflammation renders that part of the intestinal lining

useless for digesting and absorbing food.

(_b_) The worm absorbs food from the intestinal contents which should

go to the birds.

(_c_) In order to protect themselves and avoid being digested, the

worms give off a substance that neutralizes digestive juices. This

substance becomes mixed with intestinal contents and prevents proper

digestion.

(_d_) Worms sometimes become so numerous that they actually clog the

intestines. As many as 500 worms have been found in a single bird.

(_e_) Worm-infested birds show loss of condition and general

unhealthiness. Diagnosis is made by finding worms or worm eggs in

droppings or by autopsy on typical specimens.

(3) _Treatment._ The following drugs are only effective against mature

worms and, at best, are only 80 percent efficient:

1-CC Oil of turpentine per bird.

1/2-CC Tetrachlorethylene per bird.

1/2-CC Carbon tetrachloride per bird.

(4) _Prevention._ This is relatively simple and practically 100 percent

effective.

(_a_) Clean loft daily and provide fresh water.

(_b_) If aviary does not have a wire bottom spread clean sand about 1

or 2 inches deep over its floor once every two weeks.

(_c_) Replace moisture and shade by sunshine and dry conditions.

_b._ Strongyles are the most dangerous of the common round worms and

one of the most common causes of death among poorly kept pigeons. The

“strongyle” is a very small parasite which multiplies rapidly and is a

vicious blood sucker. Adult worms are from 1/2 to 3/4 inches long and

about the same size as thin thread.

(1) _Habits._ This worm has a “direct” cycle; that gives the key to

successful control (fig. 45).

[Illustration: _Figure 44. Life cycle of pigeon ascarids._

TL70213]

(_a_) Adult strongyles live in the upper intestinal contents, but may

be found as far up as the crop.

(_b_) Strongyles are ravenous blood suckers.

(_c_) Female worms deposit eggs in the intestinal contents which later

pass out in the feces.

(_d_) Eggs incubate in about 1 day, if conditions are favorable.

(_e_) Young larvae hatch out and molt about 8 hours later. These larvae

again molt in about 3 days and are then infective. Thus, about 5 days

elapse from the time the eggs are voided by the bird and the time the

young larval worms hatch, molt, and become infective.

(_f_) The infective larvae are eaten by the pigeons. Then they pass to

the intestines where they mature.

(2) _Diagnosis._ (_a_) Strongyles injure the birds by lacerating

the intestine and sucking blood. After the parasite moves on, the

laceration still bleeds considerably before a blood clot forms. Each

laceration results in an area of infection and inflammation.

(_b_) Constant movement of the worms over the inflamed intestine adds

to the irritation.

(_c_) Severe, and sometimes rapid, loss of condition and accompanying

anemia are usual symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed by finding strongyles

in the intestine upon autopsy of typical specimens.

(3) _Treatment._ Treatment is not satisfactory. One-half CC doses of

tetrachlorethylene may be tried.

[Illustration: _Figure 45. Life cycle of pigeon strongyle._

TL70214]

(4) _Prevention._ The same methods prescribed for ascarids apply to

strongyles.

_c._ Other round worms attacking pigeons are numerous, but only

capillary worms will be discussed here. These are very thin, hair-like

worms sometimes found in the digestive tract of pigeons from the crop

down through the intestine. Their life cycle is direct. No satisfactory

drug has been found to rid pigeons of this worm. Fortunately, their

life cycle is similar to that of ascarids, and the same preventive

measures are effective.

_d._ Tape worms, which are occasionally seen in pigeons, acquire a

length of 6 to 8 inches.

(1) _Life cycle._ Tape worms have what is called an indirect life

cycle, that is they must pass through at least two different species to

complete it (fig. 46).

(_a_) Adult tape worms are found in the small intestine. Their bodies

are made up of a head and segments. The head is essentially an anchor

that fastens the worm to the intestine of the bird. The body segments

form at the head and mature as they grow further from the head.

(_b_) Each segment contains both male and female sex organs and, as it

matures, becomes virtually a packet of tape worm eggs.

(_c_) Segments break off and pass out in the feces.

(_d_) The tape worm’s eggs are then eaten by a snail, slug, beetle, or

other insect which becomes the “intermediate host.” Here the tape worm

undergoes a certain amount of development.

[Illustration: _Figure 46. Life cycle of pigeon tape worm._

TL70215]

(_e_) If the intermediate host is eaten by a pigeon, the young tape

worm attaches itself to the bird’s intestine and soon grows to maturity.

(2) _Diagnosis._ Tape worms harm the host by injuring the intestine at

the point where they bury their heads, by absorbing food, and by giving

off antenzymes.

(3) _Treatment._ Unsatisfactory.

(4) _Prevention._ (_a_) Pigeons must be well-cared-for and fed so that

they will not care to eat the intermediate hosts.

(_b_) The method of prevention prescribed for ascarids is also

applicable for tape worms.

55. Treatment of Injuries

_a._ CUTS AND WOUNDS. Pigeons have marvelous powers of healing their

own tissues, perhaps because of their high body temperature and rapid

rate of body processes. The following are aids to healing.

(1) Clean solid or contaminated wounds with boric acid solution or some

very mild antiseptic. Strong disinfectants burn the exposed tissues and

delay wound healing.

(2) Stitch or suture large tears in the skin to make them relatively

smaller. Avoid placing suture in such a way that a pocket is formed for

this often results in an abscess formation. Use white silk or cotton

thread.

(3) Remove excessively rough edges or hanging flaps of skin with sharp

scissors.

_b._ FRACTURES. (1) Broken bones in the extremities of the legs usually

respond readily to treatment; those involving the large bones present a