Paratyphoid
- A bacterial disease caused by a salmonella strain (Salmonella typhimurium variety Copenhagen)
- Generally carried between birds through shared food and water
- Outbreaks are common during the breeding season
Symptoms:
- Cock birds may appear fine one day, be dead the next
- Hens show weight loss, sticky droppings, swollen wing joint at elbow
- Eggs turn black and appear rotten
- Hatchlings begin to hatch then die in shell
- Seven to ten day old youngsters show diarrhea, dehydration and death - often, of two in a nest, only one is affected
- Twisting of the neck may occur, but this is more common with PMV
Treatment:
- An antibiotic such as Baytril, which may be prescribed by a vet, is
generally given
Prevention:
- This bacteria likes alkaline substances, dislikes acid substances. Treat
drinking water with (dose) cider vinegar
- Ensure rodents cannot gain access to the pigeon housing
- Strict hygeine
Useful links:
http://www.albertaclassic.com/chalmers1.php