January/February 2026

10 – Purebred PIGEON Entering your loft and discovering a bird that cannot perch or move normally is understandably distressing. There are many potential reasons a pigeon’s brain, spinal cord, or periph- eral nerves may be affected, resulting in neurologic injury. To better understand these conditions, it is helpful to first review the symptoms and then explore the most common causes behind them. C linical S igns of N eurologic D isease Neurologic disease in pigeons can produce a wide range of symptoms. Some are subtle, such as mild lameness, a drooping wing, or fine tremors. Others are far more severe and include paralysis, incoordination, or seizures. One particularly alarming sign for many pigeon keepers is torticollis, in which a bird holds its head at an abnormal angle or even upside down. All of these signs indicate an underlying condition affecting some part of the bird’s nervous system. There are numerous potential causes of neurologic disease in pigeons. For clarity, these can be divided into several broad categories. As with most medical conditions, common problems occur far more frequently than rare ones. In the vast majority of cases, neurologic illness has a familiar and explain- able cause rather than an unusual or exotic origin. V iral C auses Viral infections are the most common cause of signifi- cant neurologic disease in pigeons. The virus most frequently associated with neurologic signs is Paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1). This virus can cause a variety of symptoms, includ- ing diarrhea, excessive thirst, watery droppings, and general depression. Respiratory signs are not typically associated with PMV-1. Neurologic involvement can be severe and may include profound weakness, tremors, circling, and head tilting or inversion. PMV-1 is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through unvaccinated lofts, with young birds being particu- larly susceptible. Not all infected birds show symptoms, and many will survive with appropriate supportive care, including assisted feeding and hydration. However, some survivors are left with permanent neurologic deficits, such as head tilt or limb weakness. There is no specific antiviral treatment for PMV-1. Supportive care improves survival, but prevention is the most effective management strategy. Routine vaccination and strict quarantine of birds entering or re-entering the loft after shows or races are essential. Another viral cause of neurologic disease is pigeon her- pesvirus. Neurologic signs are typically milder than those seen with PMV-1 and may include weakness, incoordination, and depression. Respiratory signs are common due to inflammation of the airways and trachea, and liver involvement may result in slimy green droppings. Squabs are most severely affected, while adult birds may be infected without showing clinical signs. In some lofts, up to 60% of birds may become infected. Many adults clear the virus within one to two weeks, though some remain lifelong carriers. Treatment is supportive, as antiviral therapies, like Acyclovir, are rarely used due to cost and limited research. Unfortunately, young birds may deteriorate rapidly before treatment can be initiated. Because no herpesvirus vaccine exists for pigeons, quarantine remains critical. B acterial C auses Bacterial infections are a less common cause of neurolog- ic disease than viral infections. While many bacteria can infect pigeons, neurologic signs are rarely the primary manifestation. When neurologic symptoms do occur, they are usually accom- panied by more typical signs affecting other body systems. Salmonella (paratyphoid) is a common bacterial infec- tion in pigeons. Affected birds are often depressed, thin, and produce slimy green or bloody droppings. Swelling of joints in the wings or legs (“boils”) is also common. In rare cases, the bacteria may invade the brain or middle ear, resulting in inco- ordination and balance disturbances. Prevention relies on quar- antine, vaccination, and good sanitation. Antibiotic treatment is possible but requires prolonged therapy, and recovered birds may remain chronic carriers capable of shedding the bacteria without appearing ill. Streptococcus, most commonly Streptococcus gallolyti- cus, can also cause neurologic disease. This bacterium normal- ly resides harmlessly in the intestinal tract but can cause severe illness if it enters the bloodstream. Signs include inflammation Veterinary Viewpoints #8 : Why is my pigeon’s head upside down? Common Causes of Neurologic Disease By Tim England DVM