Pigeon circovirus is a recently identified virus that can have detrimental effects on pigeons’ immune systems, leading to various health issues. This virus is particularly concerning for young birds. If infected, pigeons may display a range of disease signs, including but not limited to weight loss, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and impaired flying ability. It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary, and mortality rates can be as high as 100% if the birds are also infected with other viruses or bacteria.
In Manitoba, pigeon circovirus has been isolated in pigeons reared on farms, with confirmed cases identified through the provincial government’s Veterinary Diagnostic Services Laboratory (VDS). Similarly, the Animal Health Laboratory in Ontario has observed numerous cases, reporting a significant increase in pigeon submissions compared to previous years. Most of these submissions involve young racing birds under six months old, and Pigeon circovirus infection has been confirmed or suspected in the majority of cases.
Unfortunately, pigeon circovirus is challenging to eliminate from a flock, even with depopulation and disinfection of the loft. The best approach for pigeon producers is to only introduce healthy birds or avoid introducing any birds at all. It’s worth mentioning that the virus can be present in apparently healthy adult birds within infected lofts, making visual detection of infected individuals difficult.
Another disease of concern among pigeons is Pigeon paramyxovirus, which has also been isolated in pigeons submitted to laboratories in Manitoba and Ontario. Symptoms of this disease may include depression and nervous symptoms. Pigeon paramyxovirus is related to Newcastle Disease in chickens and turkeys and has been observed in wild and domestic pigeons worldwide.
People who care for pigeons or poultry should be aware of the risks associated with Pigeon paramyxovirus. While infections in poultry may initially be mild, they can become more severe if the virus circulates in large commercial flocks. The severity of the disease in poultry varies depending on the virus strain. Vaccination can offer some protection against Pigeon paramyxovirus for chickens, turkeys, and pigeons. It is crucial for individuals with poultry flocks, whether small or large, to avoid contact with domestic or wild pigeons. Additionally, maintaining proper screening on poultry barns to prevent wild pigeon entry and implementing measures like chlorination of surface drinking water supplies are important steps in preventing the spread of paramyxoviruses.
Intestinal parasites, such as threadworms and roundworms, as well as fungal diseases like Aspergillosis, are among the other health concerns that can be transmitted between pigeons and poultry.
If you are a pigeon owner and have concerns about the health of your flock, we encourage you to submit three or more live or freshly dead pigeons to your local veterinary clinic or the Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS). It is important to provide birds that are typical of the problem experienced in your loft for accurate diagnosis and guidance. For more information about submissions to VDS, please call 204-945-8220 in Winnipeg.
Contact For further information or if you suspect any animal health-related concerns, please reach out to our team at Bird Poop Cleaning. You can contact our Chief Veterinary Office or call us at 204-945-7663 in Winnipeg.
If you need professional assistance with sanitizing, disinfecting, and removing bird poop, droppings, eggs, birds, chicks, or nests from your balconies, homes, storage areas, or factories in Bangkok, Bird Poop Cleaning is here to help. Contact us at hello@khunclean.com or call 082-797-3702 to book our services and ensure a clean and bird-free environment.