Racing Pigeons, like all living creatures can and are attacked by disease causing internal and external parasites that can adversely affect the health and form of Racing Pigeons.    It is worth noting that the mere fact a pigeon has these organisms within its body does not mean it is sick. A pigeon may in some cases carry disease-causing organisms, without showing any symptoms of disease.    Racing Pigeons have by nature a strong resistance and vitality to ward off attacks by these disease causing organisms, however Racing Pigeons can have their vitality and disease resistance lowered. The stress and strain from training, overcrowding, both in lofts and race baskets, and of course from racing, all lower the bird’s natural resistance. This lowering of their resistance can allow the ever-present organisms to take hold, and the bird can become sick or lose its race form.

Disease causing organisms need to be controlled in the race loft, firstly by natural immunity (disease resistance), loft cleanliness and good management, and secondly by the correct use of medication after a proper identification of the problem by a suitable Veterinarian.   It is far better to correctly identify diseases within your loft, and to treat these diseases with the correct medication for the correct length of time. Blindly treating your birds with many different medications or treating them one day a week every week, which can cause a build up of very resistance disease causing organisms, is not recommended. Worse still is to ignore the problem altogether and hope it will go away.   Disease organisms from one loft can be passed-on in the race baskets to the birds of fellow members.
 
Some of the more common disease causing organisms, which attack pigeons, are:
 

Lice and Pigeon flies (external bloodsuckers)
Worms (Intestinal)
Coccidia (Intestinal)
Trichomonas or canker (Crop, digestive tract & just about all internal organs)
Bacteria, Salmonella etc (Bowel and respiratory organs)
Mycoplasmosis and Chlamydia (Respiratory diseases)
Virus (Pigeon Pox, Herpes etc)
 
Lice:
Lice suck the bird’s blood or damage the feathers; there is no place for lice of any sort in the well-managed loft. Pigeon flies also suck the bird’s blood and cause a great deal of unrest to the birds. Pigeon flies also spread diseases of the blood which restrict the birds ability to perform or even home. They must be eliminated from the loft.
 
Worms:
Several types of worms affect Racing Pigeons. Round worms and hairworms are the most dangerous; just one round worm is enough to prevent a bird reaching peak fitness. An out-break of hair worm infestation can be very serious, with at least six weeks required to cure the birds and bring them back to the point of race fitness. Tapeworms cause weight loss, intestinal irritation and ill thrift. Worms need to be eradicated early in the year before they become a major problem during the race season.
 
Coccidia:
Coccidia are organisms that attack the gut lining of the bird; they are to be found in most, if not all Racing Pigeons. The number of coccidia in each bird will depend on the bird’s resistance and the level of stress it is under. In a well-managed dry loft the number of coccidia can be low enough not to cause any problems, but damp and humid conditions, and overcrowding, along with heavy training can cause an outbreak of this disease, particularly in young birds. As the number of coccidia increase in the birds intestine, more and more symptoms of disease will be apparent, and the longer it will take to cure the bird and return it to race fitness.  Coccidia numbers need to be identified early and controlled before they start to seriously affect the bird’s health.
 
Canker:
Trichomoniasis or canker is a serious problem for the racing pigeon; canker can cause permanent damage to the bird’s internal organs. There are at least 30 different strains of canker, not all of which produce the well known cheesy growth seen in the throats and navels of young birds. In fact, the so-called "wet canker", which does not produce the characteristic "cheesy growth”, is more dangerous to the race bird. Canker is spread via the drinking water and feed troughs or through bird-to-bird contact. The organism multiplies by division, whereby 2 become 4, 4 become 8, 8 become 16, and so on and so on. Canker is difficult to eliminate but can be controlled, particularly in a flock which has developed some natural resistance to this disease. Birds which are very susceptible to canker are best eliminated from the loft.
 
Bacteria:
Bacteria are many and varied. Salmonella (Paratyphoid) is the most serious problem for Racing Pigeons and is probably wider spread then realised. Identification of Paratyphoid is by culture which can be time consuming and costly, and therefore the disease is not readily identified in the average loft, and a poor race season is the result. Other problem-causing bacteria can be identified under the microscope; antibiotics can control most. Green loose droppings, watery droppings, and foamy orange droppings, going light, swollen joints etc are all indications of bacteria infections. A vaccine has now been developed for control of Salmonella.
 
Respiratory:
Respiratory problems can be caused by several different organisms, either singularly or more often in conjunction with each other. Many of these organisms are opportunists who take advantage of the damage done by other organisms to gain a hold of their own. Treatment in many cases is not successful because it fails to treat the different organisms that may be attacking the respiratory organs at the same time. Sneezing, excessive panting after exercise, greasy wattles, excessive blinking, and mucous on the "curtain" at the back of the throat are all symptoms of respiratory problems.
 
Viruses:
Viruses are also many and varied; there is no cure for these ultra small organisms. Immunity can be gained by vaccination, but so far only a vaccine for pigeon pox (Salmonella (Paratyphoid) vaccine is now available). The pharmaceutical companies may withdraw even this vaccine if there is insufficient demand to warrant its manufacture. It is important for all flyers to vaccinate their young birds against pigeon pox. Maintaining good levels of vitamins helps prevention of viral problems, and lowering the level of disease organisms, which prevent the proper uptake of vitamins, thus lowering the bird’s vitality.
 

HEALTH CONTROL PROGRAM
 
Step 1. Breeding:
The pigeon Breeding season is recommended to start in the winter months and no earlier than May. The Federation and affiliated clubs release their “life rings” on or after the 1st of May each year. The recommended breeding season is from July (to allow birds to fully recover from the moult (January to April) and younger breeders to mature) to November (finishing before the hotter weather). Breeding outside of these times is not recommended, however some flyers do have favourable results with pigeons bred over the summer months.
 
Lice and Pigeon Flies:
Prior to mating, the stock birds should be checked for lice and pigeon flies, both must be eliminated by dipping each bird in "Coopex" (one satchel to a bucket). Coopex can be added to the bird’s bath water, but this is less effective. Other Pyrethrum based insecticides can be used, but Coopex is the most effective.   Malawash and similar products are very toxic to the birds and are not recommended. Repeat treatment after 21 days is recommended.
 
Worms:
Round worms and hairworms can be controlled with Levamisole [Nilverm liquid (50ml to a litre for 24 hours). Spartakon and Avitrol tablets also contain Levamisole and can be used but are a little harsh on the birds.   A very effective treatment for round and hair worms is to give Nilverm to each bird via a crop needle, mix 5mls Nilverm with 100 mls of clean water, and then give 5 mls of this solution to each bird (a crop needle is the best way to administer this solution). If worms are found then a follow up treatment 2 weeks later is recommended to rid the birds of further worms that will hatch after the initial treatment. A third treatment may be required in extreme cases to break the life cycle of the worms. Tapeworms can be eliminated with Droncit. A mixture of Nilverm (Pig & Poultry 1.4%) and Droncit (one tablet to 10mls Nilverm) can be made up and given via the beak at the rate of 0.5mls (half a cc) per bird, this will eliminate round worms, hairworms and tapeworms with the one treatment.   Synantic based wormers can also be used but these can adversely affect the bird’s feathers and great care should be taken when using this product.
 
Canker:
If canker has been a major problem the last breeding season than a vet should be consulted. Treatment with Turbosole or Ronivet-S for ten days 4 weeks prior to mating may be required. Stock birds should then be treated again for 2 days every week during breeding. Turbosole and Ronivet-S are very safe drugs, and are recommended in place of Emtryl, which can be toxic to the birds. Spartrix (one tablet per bird) can also be used.   If canker has only been a minor problem last season then the stock birds can be treated with Turbosole or Ronivet-S for 5 days every 30 days. In minor outbreaks of canker treat only those youngsters, who develop canker, use Flagyl tablets, 1/3 tablet per youngster for 3 days. Keep a close check on the young, start checking their throats and navels after ringing and then check every 3 to 4 days. Try to breed around stock birds which produce the least canker in their young, these birds are the most resistant to the disease and pass this resistance on to their offspring. Natural resistance to canker is the best long-term control for this disease.
 
Bacteria:
The stock bird's droppings should be firm and a brown colour, any variation such as loose and green droppings could be coccidia or more likely a bacterial problem and should be investigated by a vet. A vet should be consulted on disease outbreaks and problems such as “wet nests” during the breeding season.
 
Feeding:
Stock birds need to be fed a good wholesome diet, containing all the essential elements for optimum growth and health of the young. A varied diet of as many different grains as possible with emphasis on protein (peas, beans) is recommended. Non-medicated pellets in moderation are also good. Additional vitamins and minerals via the water and/or feed are recommended. Local produce merchants stock supplies of grains or pre-mixes for pigeons. Green feed such as silverbeet, chickweed etc are also recommended for the stock birds.
 
Other supplements can also be administered e.g.
Superbloom - daily in water or
Vitaliser - daily mixed with food or
Vitaboost - twice weekly in water
Dry shell grit should be available to the birds at all times.
 
Step 2 Weaning youngsters: September to January
Once the young birds have left their nests and are placed in the race loft every effort should be aimed at producing and developing their natural immunity and disease resistance. Weaning of youngsters can be very stressful on them and newly weaned youngsters should be monitored very closely.
 
Don't overcrowd the loft.
Avoid flock medication unless absolutely necessary; monthly worming (Nilverm liquid 50ml to a litre for 24 hours) should be carried out during the first couple of months of their life.   The birds should be allowed to develop their natural immunity by being exposed to low levels of "germs" which are present in every loft. The loft needs to be kept dry and clean. Young birds, which develop symptoms of disease, such as canker, should be isolated and treated individually. Birds that do not respond to treatment are best culled.   If canker is a major problem use Turbosole or Ronivet-S for 5 days every 30 days.
 
Individual Treatments:
Canker: treat with 1/4 Flagyl tablet for 3 days.
Bacteria: Sulphatrim 3 grams to 4.5L for 4 to 5 days.
One-eye cold: Tylan/Oxytetracyline mixture (0.5 grams of each per litre) or Terramycin or Doxycycline.
 
A close eye needs to be kept on the level of health in the young birds, their droppings and appetite are the best means of detecting problems, and any major change away from firm and brown droppings could indicate a problem.   Young birds should have a healthy appetite; birds that don't eat, rapidly lose weight and/or have wet green droppings should be checked, isolated and treated where necessary.   Flock treatment should be avoided at this stage. Out-breaks of one-eye cold (a respiratory disease) is an indication of management problems such as overcrowding, lack of ventilation, dampness or excessive dust. Correct these problems before starting any flock treatment.   Feeding should be aimed at providing the necessary elements for a good moult and development of the young bird’s muscles. A varied diet of good quality grains is recommended (oil seeds should be included). Vitamins, minerals and amino acids (proteins) are essential to their proper development and the growth of new feathers; give Vitaboost twice per week or Superbloom daily in the water. Dry shell grit should be available to the birds at all times.   Lice and flies should not be a major problem at this time if the stock, and the older race birds were treated prior to mating and at the end of the previous flying season. A check for lice and flies should be made regularly before they have a chance to damage the new feathers.   Vaccinate young birds against Pigeon Pox in late December or early January. Follow manufacturer’s instructions, i.e. no baths etc.
 
Step 3 Young Birds: February to April
Any lice or flies on the birds must be eradicated. Towards the end of January dip all birds, both stock and race birds in Coopex (one satchel to a bucket).   Worm all birds with Nilverm in water or a mixture of Nilverm (Pig & Poultry 1.4%) and Droncit (one tablet to 10mls Nilverm) can be made up and given via the beak at the rate of 0.5mls (half a cc) per bird. Spartakon or Avitrol tablets and Droncit separately can also be used. Treat again in 2 weeks if worms are found after the first treatment.   Late February early March, have the droppings checked, treat for coccidia if required using Baycox (very safe and effective), 2 to 3 days of treatment, follow up treatment may be required if numbers of coccidia are high.   Check droppings, a treatment for bacteria (salmonella etc) that cause bowel problems (loose green droppings) may be required. Treat with Sulphatrim or Tribrissen if required.   If canker is a major problem use Turbosole or Ronivet-S for 5 days every 30 days.   By mid-March the birds should be starting to exercise freely, watch for respiratory problems, excessive sneezing, excessive panting or gapping (beaks wide open and birds badly distressed after exercise). Don't be confused by heat stress or over-weight and lack of fitness, which can all, produce similar effects. Treat with Tylan and chlortetracycline (Tricon) or Tylan and Oxytetracycline mixtures or Resfite, 14 days, if required.   Feed the birds well and avoid stress as much as possible, at least up until training starts. Avoid training too early, particularly in February when the weather is very hot and the birds are moulting heavily. Training (tossing) should not start until the end of the body moult around mid March.
 
Step 4 Race Birds:
Before full training (tossing) begins (mid to end of March) the birds should have developed some immunity to canker, coccidia and general bacteria. The levels of these organisms can then be controlled in the race loft by medication if they become a problem. Be careful of the build up of these parasites. The birds can lose race form very quickly if the number of disease organisms is allowed to increase to the disease stage, particularly when the birds are under heavy stress from racing.
 
Canker:
Treat all birds with Turbosole for 3 to 5 days every 30 days during the race season.
 
Respiratory:
Watch for excessive sneezing, watery eyes, throat mucous and panting problems, treat with Tylan/Tricon or Tylan/Oxy mixtures or Resfite for 3 to 5 days at first sign of these symptoms. Treatment may be required every 30 days.
 
Loose green Droppings:
May indicate a bacteria, worm or coccidia build up consult a vet, treatment maybe required; Nilverm for worms; Baycox (2 days) for coccidia; and Baytril or Sulphatrim for bacteria. Loose green droppings immediately after a race are perfectly normal and should not be treated.   Give the birds extra vitamins, electrolytes and minerals after racing to relieve stress and to return the birds body functions to normal as soon as possible.   Electrovit is especially good as it contains electrolytes, vitamins and glucose and is specially designed for pigeons.   Starvation diets in the long run will do more harm then good. Short term gains by making the birds sprint home will result in their loss and/or poor results as the season progresses. Feed good quality grains, and feed sufficient quantities to supply the energy requirements for racing, and to maintain their disease resistance and vitality. Some produce merchants stock special racing pre-mixes.   If problems arise consult a vet who specialises in birds, it is better to act quickly before diseases get out of hand, and before a race season is lost. Remember even a minor outbreak of disease can result in the loss of the teams race form. It will take at least 4 to 6 weeks to control the disease and return the birds to race form; the more advanced the disease the longer it will take for the birds to come back into form after they have been cured.   Don't take chances, top flyers are able to keep their birds healthy for most of the season, and they can then bring their birds into top form at just the right time. Good loft management and a team of disease resistant pigeons are the start to a successful racing season. Observation and early treatment for disease problems are the means of continuing the success throughout the entire season.