Young bird sickness has spread rapidly around the world in recent years, causing severe losses
among young birds.
Pathogen:
This is a mixed infection, involving viruses and bacteria (especially E.coli and cocci, but also
protozoa).
The pathogens are transmitted by air, dust and contact between birds, as well as via
communal drinking water and feed.
Outbreaks of the disease are promoted by stress factors such as weaning, the introduction of
strange birds into a loft, vaccination, heat (accelerated bacterial growth, water shortage),
training of juveniles (basketing) and young pigeon flights.
Symptoms of the disease:
The disease can take two forms:
Sudden death not preceded by any perceptible signs of illness:
A typical scenario sees young pigeons released from the loft for their daily training (on a hot
summer's day, perhaps), whereupon they fly around for an hour and then return to the loft.
They land on the roof or on the alighting ledge, do not respond to the breeder's attempts to
entice them into the loft, and die within the space of a few hours.
Death preceded by visible signs of illness:
During the period between the onset of symptoms and death (lasting from 3 days to 1 week),
the following symptoms are observed: lack of activity, puffed-up plumage, refusal of feed,
swelling of the crop, weight loss, greenish-yellow faeces in puddles, vomiting.
Recognition of the disease:
Owing to the numerous pathogens involved in this disease, it is only possible to make a
tentative diagnosis.
Similar conditions:
E.coli infection, Hexamitiasis.
| Young Bird Sickness |
