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Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

DOI

10.3906/vet-1909-96

Abstract

Although pigeons are reared for recreational purposes in Jammu region, disease occurrence is sparsely documented. Based on clinical signs, lesions and laboratory investigation, approximately 600 out of 4000 (15%) domestic pigeons were found to be disease affected. Necropsy of 60 birds was conducted to determine the cause of death. Haemoproteus columbae demonstrated within erythrocytes and various development stages in tissue and endothelial schizogony caused majority deaths due to pneumonia and hepatitis (45%) accompanied by severe vascular and tissue reaction. Newcastle disease (20%) confirmed by positive serum haemagglutination inhibition manifested in a severe neurological form with characteristic cerebral malacia and demyelination. Mycotoxicosis (13.33%) detectable in tissue and feed samples were associated with typical hepatic and renal degeneration. Aspergillosis (8.33%) was associated with severe granulomatous pneumonia and systemic affections. Aspergillus fumigatus could be isolated from deep tissues. Pigeon pox (3.33%) associated with severe cutaneous and diphtheritic form. Traumatic injury (6.67%), salmonellosis and colibacillosis (1.67% each) were other causes of mortality. The study summarizes pigeon mortality pattern of this region andhighlights the warranted health management of these birds. The potential for pathogen dissemination in the environment, to other susceptible hosts and possibly across International borders by free flying birds have been emphasized.

Keywords

Columba livia, mortality, pathology, pigeon

First Page

158

Last Page

167

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