March/April 2025

5 – Purebred PIGEON Avian Influenza in Pigeons – These are the facts Dr Ockert Botha (BVSc) Aviomed I ntroduction Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) also known as Bird Flu is a worldwide serious infection of different strains that affects primarily Poultry. Other animals and humans may also be affected. Ducks and shorebirds are the natural hosts and play a major role in transmission of the disease in poultry. Pigeons may be infected with AIV but are much less susceptible than other birds. It has also been well established that pigeons do not play a significant role in the transmission of AIV. P revalence in pigeons The research results of 32 studies that was performed in 24 countries across four continents indicated 8.01% was in- fected but of these only 0.37% was infected with same strain as the a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak occurring in poultry at the time. Pigeons and doves are repeatedly considered for their potential role as species that may transmit and spread avian influenza during disease outbreaks. E xperimental studies with AIV in pigeons and doves During the last 20 years several excellent studies have been done to determine whether pigeons pose a threat to Poultry in transmitting AIV via clinical or sub clinical infection. It was concluded that that is not currently the case and that any meaningful transmission that pigeons may have in spreading avian influenza is most possibly via the mechanical route and not because they are infected by the disease. Transmission via their feet and feathers after they have become contaminated by environmental sources would be the only concern as would be the case with any free flying wild birds. The current consensus remains is still that shedding levels in pigeons are below the amount of virus required to infect other species and in particulars poultry. T ransmission of AIV via the eggs or sperm Up to now no experimental work has been able to confirm transmission of AIV in pigeon or dove eggs. The same holds for sperm of cock birds. So, the disease cannot be spread to babies during breeding except again via direct contact of a bird carrying the virus on its body parts from a contaminated environment. C linical symptoms in pigeons Most pigeons that become infected by AIV will show no or very mild symptoms that may include very mild con- junctivitis, mild listlessness and or tremors. In pigeons that are extremely stressed and suffering from other concurrent viral diseases such as Circovirus, Paramyxovirus and Rotavirus the symptoms are attributed to the other diseases and not primarily to the AIV infection. P revention There is currently no need for a vaccination against AIV and no vaccine is available. Sound husbandry practic- es including hygiene, prevention of excessive stress and elimination ant treatment against other carrier diseases such as worms, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, respiratory disease and gastrointestinal diseases amongst others is paramount. Prevention of direct contact with wild birds especially waterfowl and shorebirds must be strictly enforced. Vaccination against viral diseases in pigeons need to be done at the correct time and with the correct vaccines. Lastly the routine use of Pre- and Pro-biotics ( AvioEntromune), Intestinal acidity regulators (Aviogel) and pigeon specific immune stimulants (AvioRotaban and AvioViromune) needs to be included in routine pigeon health programs. — continues on next page