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Cause:
Pigeon Malaria is a Protozoal disease caused by Hamaproteus Columbae. Pigeon Malaria is transmitted by the Pigeon fly and possibly by mosquitos 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 almost impossible to permanently clear the infection and such infected pigeons need to be treated sporadically to reduce the amounts of parasites in the blood. The organism completes its life cycle in the lung cells and may also play a role in respiratory diseases. Effective control of the pigeon fly is the best way to prevent the infection.

Symptoms:
Pigeon Malaria does not cause any clinical disease symptoms. Pigeons that have a larger amount of the organisms in the blood stream develop an acute loss of racing performance and do not even want to train around the loft. Pigeons suffering from chronic unresponsive respiratory disease may also be suffering from low grade Pigeon Malaria.

Treatment:
Extended treatment for 10 – 14 days with water soluble Primaquin should be done before the racing season. Treatment with Primaquin for longer than three days results in severe fatty liver syndrome. Always combine Primaquin treatment with a good liver support product to reduce the effects of the liver. Remember to use an effective ectoparasitic to prevent the transmission of the disease. Three-day treatment of Primaquin during the racing season may improve racing performance.