194 A Nematode Parasite of the Indian Domestic Pigeon
moved, they frequently tip forward on the breast and head. Food is usually
refused or is frequently regurgitated along with bile-stained fluid. The
excessive consumption of water is so marked that some pigeon keepers are
reported to have remarked, " The pigeons drink themselves to death ". There
is pronounced greenish diarrhoea, loss of weight is rapid and death is preceded
by prostration and difficult and rapid breathing. Several workers have
observed that the ' fancy' and valuable breeds of pigeons are the most sus-
ceptible. The worms burrow into the intestinal mucosa causing caterrhal
enteritis which results in debilitating diarrhoea and interference with the
normal functions of the intestine. Moreover, the worms are blood-suckers.
They cause severe damage to the intestine and in fatal cases extensive destruc-
tion of the mucosa accompanied by an abundance of bright green mucus is
almost invariably present. The worms are found tangled in a mass of mucus
and sloughed epithelium. They live deeply embedded in the mucosa and
their attachment to the intestine produces necrosis of the surrounding tissues.
In the absence of any anthelmintic of proved efficacy against the para-
site, preventive measures should be taken to check the spread of infection.
Though there is apparently no age resistance, pigeons of different breeds
should be separated as the susceptibility of birds differs with their breeds,
and the more sturdy breed may serve as a source of infection for the less
resistant ones. The most effective control measure consists in the main-
tenance of an environment unfavourable for the pre-parasitic stages of the
worm. From a detailed study of the ova and the larval stages of this parasite,
Cuvillier [ 1937 ] found that the two lethal factors are air drying and direct
sunlight. Drinking troughs and baths should be exposed to the sun and so
arranged that water will not be splashed over the pen. The houses should
be kept clean and so constructed as to admit plenty of sun light to the
interior as well as the runs.
The author is grateful to the Pathologist and the Director of the Imperial
Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteswar-Kumaun, for much kind help.
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