Worm infestationsin in pigeons

Parastic worms in pigeons can severely impact their health and race performance. These worms consume the pigeons' nutrients, releasing eggs that are excreted in the birds' droppings. Over several days, these eggs become infectious, and if accidentally ingested, they hatch within the digestive tract and grow into adult worms, completing their lifecycle in as little as three weeks. External parasites like lice and mites also damage pigeons' feathers, which underscores the need for rigorous parasite control to maintain a successful racing loft.

To control roundworms and hairworms, experts recommend keeping their levels at zero in both racing and breeding lofts. If fully cleaning the loft isn’t feasible, worming should be repeated every three weeks over six months. This duration ensures that any worm eggs in the environment die out, reducing reinfection risks. Regular cleaning and a worming schedule of twice at three-week intervals are key steps in keeping parasites under control.

Parasite types include roundworms, hairworms, tapeworms, lice, and mites. Roundworms and hairworms inhabit the digestive system and are diagnosed through microscopic analysis of droppings. Infections should be routinely monitored, especially if new birds are introduced or returning racers may have been exposed.

Tapeworms, on the other hand, have a unique lifecycle involving an insect host. Tapeworm eggs passed in droppings need to be consumed by an insect to become infectious. Pigeons then become infected by ingesting these insects. Treating tapeworms usually requires only one dose, but spraying the loft with a safe insecticide, such as permethrin, is essential to minimize reinfection risks.

Effective medications for worm control include avermectins, such as ivermectin or moxidectin, known for their efficacy and safety. Avermectins also help eliminate external parasites like mites but require precise dosing due to variable product strengths. Permethrin-based sprays are recommended for loft treatments, as older treatments containing organophosphates pose toxicity risks and can accumulate in birds, leading to severe side effects or death.

For tapeworms, praziquantel is the preferred treatment and can be administered in tablet form or as a water-soluble solution. Meanwhile, piperazine, an older drug, is less effective due to partial resistance and incomplete worm clearance.

Using proper medications and maintaining loft hygiene through regular parasite management will ensure that birds remain healthy, productive, and well-prepared for races. Donal Barry