Sciences de la volaille, de la pêche et de la faune
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Occurrence of Diseases in Holdings of Carrier Pigeons with Different Prophylactic Plans

František Zigo, Zuzana Farkašová, Silvia Ondrašovičová, Mária Vargová, Katarína Veszelits Laktičová

The aim of the work was to evaluate the occurrence of diseases in two carrier pigeon holdings with different prophylactic plans at the beginning and at the end of flight season. During the flight season, the pigeons completed 14 races at a distance of 140 to 1200 km. In the first holding (A), antibiotics and corticoids were applied at regular intervals in order to maintain health, while in the second holding (B) were used products based on plant extracts and essential oils during the race season. Based on clinical and laboratory examination of faecal samples and oropharynx swabs was obtained a general overview of the prevalence of the most common diseases with regard to their clinical manifestations. The most marked increases in parasitic and infectious agents were observed at the end of the season in both holdings. Despite different prophylactic plans, the prevalence of coccidiosis and trichomoniasis was increased at the end of the racing season on both farms, when the increased incidence of nematodes Ascaridia spp., Capillaria spp. and ornithosis complex was also confirmed. By comparing the prevalence of individual diseases, a lower incidence of coccidiosis, trichomoniasis and ornithosis complex was observed in breeding A, in which the breeder applied antibiotics. The results of the study point to the phenomenon of immunodeficiency. Although the incidence of monitored diseases on farm A with antibiotic treatment was reduced, the continuous administration of various drugs, particularly antibiotics and corticosteroids, aimed at maintenance of optimum condition of pigeons may impair their homeostasis, pH, and intestinal microflora. This opens the way for pathogens such as Salmonella, which was confirmed in our study.