Emile Opperman

Ectoparasites

Cause:Red Mite and other blood sucking mites, Feather mites, Skin Mites and Pigeon Fly are the main external parasites of pigeons. Symptoms: Mites, lice and Pigeon Fly infestations are commonly found in pigeons. The blood sucking mites such as the red mite  will live in cracks and crevices in the pigeon loft and come out after …

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Trichomoniasis (Crop Canker)

Cause:Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas gallinae. Symptoms:Trichomoniasis is the most common infection found in pigeons. Although it will seldom cause clinical disease of crop and throat inflammation, with the typical yellow accumulation, it has a devastating effect on the racing results of pigeons. It will often also predispose pigeons to other diseases …

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Coccidiosis

Cause:Coccidiosis is caused by a one cellular protozoon called Eimeria Symptoms:Coccidiosis is one of the classical carrier diseases. In many cases, especially in adult pigeons, no apparent symptoms are seen when pigeons are infected.  The racing performance of pigeons is however affected with pigeons becoming less competitive and refusing to train around the loft. In …

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Mycoplasmosis

Cause:Mycoplasmosis is caused by the organism Mycoplasma. There are currently three species of this organism. Symptoms:Mycoplasmosis is one of the most common respiratory infections found in pigeons. It is often confused with Ornithosis. It causes moderate respiratory disease in pigeons and usually starts as a mild inflammation in the eyes and nose. A clear thread …

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Orniplasmosis

Cause: Orniplasmosis is a new disease syndrome caused by a combined infection with Ornithosis (Chlamydia) and Mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma). Symptoms:Mild to severe upper respiratory symptoms with regular sneezing, rubbing of the eyes and swelling of the eye membranes is seen. Upper respiratory symptoms may evolve to full blown bronchitis with typical rales or even pneumonia with difficult …

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Young Bird Disease

Cause:Young Bird Disease (YBD) is a devastating disease normally affecting pigeons younger than 10 months. It is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria but is always initiated by Circo-virus infection.   Symptoms:YBD starts off with babies becoming listless and losing there appetite. They soon start vomiting and soon afterwards they stool become loose. The …

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Candidiasis (Thrush)

Cause:Candidiasis is caused by a yeast called Candida albicans Symptoms:Candidiasis was seen in the past only as an opportunistic infection after heavy treatment weith antibiotics or when pigeons had a serious immune deficiency. Lately the organism has become more virulent and can cause primary infections without any predisposing factors other than stress being prevalent. Although …

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Pigeon Malaria

Cause:Pigeon Malaria is a Protozoal disease caused by the Hamaproteus columbae. Pigeon Malaria is transmitted by the Pigeon fly and possibly by mosquitoes and midges. Although Pigeon Malaria has never been known to cause any clinical disease symptoms it severely affects racing performance. Once a pigeon has been infected by the organism, it is allmost …

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