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Ornithosis
Causes and Clinical Signs
Ornithosis is due to a micro-organism called Clamydia. It is susceptible to antibiotics like bacteria but lives within and destroys body cells like a virus.
Clinical signs vary from poor performance to an acute disease causing a marked conjunctivitis, decreased appetite, respiratory disease, diarrhoea and death.
The acute form is particularly prevalent in young birds and older birds under stress. In some cases the conjunctivitis can lead to secondary bacteria infection of the eye resulting in blindness. Recovered birds are likely to carry the disease and subsequently spread it to other pigeons.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this disease in the live bird is difficult and must rely heavily on the clinical symptoms present. Blood tests will identify birds that have been exposed to the organism but are not a good indication of the present disease status.
Where dead birds are available, samples from the liver or spleen can give a positive diagnosis in the laboratory. The disease needs to be distinguished from Mycoplasma infection, Haemophylus infection and “One Eyed Cold”.
NOTE
There is a very real danger of this infection being transmitted to man. Pigeon fanciers who suffer from a prolonged flu-like disease are recommended to consult their doctor who should be aware of their contact with pigeons. Where cases are diagnosed in pigeons the Ministry of Agriculture must be informed.
Treatment
Due to the danger of human infection, the risk to young birds and the fact that chronically infected birds are more prone to other diseases, the treatment of affected birds with Chlortetracycline for an adequate period is essential. Treatment lengths of 30 to 60 days would be recommended. The use of multi vitamin may also be advised.
Prevention
No specific measures are available to prevent the condition. Try to maintain birds in good bodily condition and make sure the loft is regularly cleaned and disinfected. If the disease is suspected veterinary advice should be sought.
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