Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that is widely distributed among pigeons throughout the world. Coccidia inhabit the small intestine of nearly all pigeons.

Pathogen:

Along with trichomonads, coccidia are the most commonly found protozoa in pigeons, occurring in the form of two eimeria species: E.labbeana and E.columbarum. Both species only infest pigeons. Coccidia form permanent stages (oocysts), which only become infective after maturing in the environment.

Course of disease:

Following ingestion of the oocysts, their subsequent developmental stages damage the intestinal wall. Within 4-7 days of infection, the pigeon starts to excrete oocysts again.

There are two forms of coccidiosis:

The asymptomatic (or subclinical) form occurs most frequently. After ingesting small quantities of oocysts for the first time, pigeons develop an immunity to infection due to stimulation of endogenous defence mechanisms, without visibly succumbing to the disease. With this protection, which is reinforced by constant ingestion of low levels of oocysts, the birds live in a kind of equilibrium with the parasites, which also protects them against severe intestinal disease.

The visible form of the disease with an acute course and severe generalised disturbance - true coccidiosis - occurs when still unprotected young pigeons become infected by ingesting large amounts of oocysts or when the immunity of older pigeons is reduced or broken down by stress factors

We can find this disease in humid dirty lofts .

Symptoms of Coccidiosis :

Very quick loss of weight.

Slimy dark green droppings

Lethargic

Lose of desire to fly

Pigeons infected with cocci manifest an increase desire to drink water

Asymptomatic form:

Infested birds appear healthy, albeit rather less lively. The droppings are sometimes rather soft.

Acute course:

Visibly affected pigeons produce malodorous, muco-aqueous, greenish and sometimes bloody diarrhoea. They are listless, have puffed-up plumage and drink profusely, with reduced feed intake.

Products for treatment :

Coccistop

Dacoxine 4 in 1 (DAC)

Trimethoprim/Sulfa (DAC)

Coccimix (Pantex)

Cocci-Geel (Pantex)

Cocci-Mix 1 (Travipharma)

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