Worms treatment

Worm infestation

Hairworms and roundworms are widespread in pigeon flocks, whereas tapeworms are less common. These worm types live as parasites in the small intestine of pigeons.

Pathogen:

• The hairworm, Capillaria obsignata - a very slender, hair-like parasite - infests various poultry species in addition to pigeons. Hairworm eggs become infective in the environment after 8-9 days.

• The pigeon roundworm, Ascaridia columbae, only occurs in pigeons. The eggs become infective in the environment after 2-3 weeks.

• Two types of tapeworm, Hymenolepis columbae and Raillietina columbae, infest pigeons. Their emergence is dependent on suitable intermediate hosts (snails, beetles, ants), which they require in order to develop. Pigeons only become infected if they ingest an intermediate host.

The interval between ingestion of infective worm eggs, sexual maturation of the new generation of worms and the first excretion of eggs in the faeces (prepatent period) is 5-6 weeks for roundworms, 3-4 weeks for hairworms and approx. 2 weeks for tapeworms. All types of worms may also appear at the same time.

Symptoms of the disease:

Affected pigeons produce droppings of varying consistency 10-12 days after ingesting infective eggs or an intermediate host. Appetite is initially increased, but diminishes as infestation progresses. The birds lose weight. Heavily infested pigeons usually show impaired general condition and are listless and apathetic with dull, ruffled plumage.

Recognition of the disease:

Hairworm and roundworm infestation is identified by microscopic examination of faecal samples (prepared according to the flotation method). When the intestine is cut open during the cadaver examination, the yellowish-white roundworms are clearly visible, whereas the fine, white hairworms require a smear preparation, which is floated in a flat dish with a dark base.

In many cases, the intestinal mucosa also reveals inflammatory lesions and focal haemorrhages caused by the burrowing of parasites. Tapeworm infestation is demonstrated by the identification of tapeworm segments or eggs in the faeces.

Other symptoms of Worms

Unfertile eggs

Loss of Condition

Loss of Weight

Watery droppings

Loss of desire to fly

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