Pigeons are well known as clinically normal carriers. If an outbreak of the disease is suspected in laboratory pigeons, the diagnosis must be confirmed and, in most jurisdictions must be reported to the provincial public health authorities. Treatment should not be attempted. The birds should be killed, appropriately disposed of, and the facility cleaned and disinfected with formalin or some other effective virucidal agent. Parasitic Infestations Parasites may be responsible for a number of serious health problems among pigeons, either directly or indirectly as vectors in the transmission of pathogens.
Treatment lies in control of the vector by pyrethroids or other insecticides.
Infection with the protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae is the potentially most serious protozoan disease of columbids. However, it should not be a problem in laboratory pigeons. The capillaria worm is probably the most widespread and serious internal parasite to pigeons in central Canada. It may be effectively treated with dimetridazole. Other Health Considerations Genetic and nutritional defects will occur occasionally in breeding colonies and may be controlled by proper management and selection procedures.