Prevalence and control of coccidiosis in pigeons

Coccidia of the species Eimeria labbeana and E. columbarum are common in racing and show pigeons. Distinct signs of disease such as depression and enteritis are frequently seen in joung pigeons. Adult pigeons remain usually healthy but are shedders of oocysts. The diagnosis is based on microscopic detection of oocysts in scrapings from duodenum and jejunum or in fecal samples following enrichment in saturated sodium chloride solution. Treatment of diseased pigeons is possible with sulfonamides or their derivates. However, kidney damage and malformation of feathers are likely if these drugs are erroneously given during moulting of the plumage. A better alternative is the use of modern anticoccidial drugs which are proven to be safe and effective. In contrast to the situation in chickens and turkeys, no reports are published indicating that coccidia of pigeons have developed resistance against these drugs.