Pigeon Diseases

- Viral diseases Paramyxovirus infection

Epidemiology:

The viral disease affecting pigeons is characterized by neurological manifestations and respiratory symptoms, caused by the paramyxovirus (PMV) 1, specifically a mutant mesogenic strain of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). All age groups of pigeons are susceptible, but the condition poses greater risks to young birds. Infections can occur year-round, with increased incidence noted in unvaccinated flocks during the racing season. Transmission occurs via both direct and indirect contact with infected birds, primarily through ingestion of contaminated food and water following exposure to droppings or nasal secretions, as well as through inhalation of infectious respiratory secretions.

Clinical signs:

-Nervous manifestations, tremors in the head and neck, torticollis, opsthtinous, wing and neck paralysis,dropping of the head and neck.

- Greenish watery diarrhea with haemorrhages in severe cases.

- Respiratory signs are rare, morbidity and mortality rate ranged from (20-80%).

Torticollis

Paralysis of wing, balance disorder

Post-mortem:

-  Hyperemia and congestion of the brain with petechial haemorrhages.

- Septicemic picture of all carcasses, catarrhal enteritis, enlarged kidneys.

-  Haemorrhages on pancreas.

Diagnosis:

-        The sample from the feces or respiratory secretions during acute phase of an infection.

-        Isolation, identification or detection of antibodies titers are similar to other PMV infection (as NDV).