Date: 7/22/2008
Contact: Mark Atkinson
Phone: (775) 688-1659

AVIAN TRICHOMONIASIS AFFECTING PIGEONS AND DOVES

Birdwatchers in the Reno-Sparks area should be aware of a recent outbreak affecting doves and pigeons in backyards and near birdfeeders.

During the past week the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Washoe County Health Department Vector-borne Diseases Program have received reports of at least 20 dead and dying doves and pigeons in the Reno area.

According to NDOW’s Wildlife Health Specialist, Mark Atkinson, a collaborative field investigation has shown the cause of this disease outbreak to be avian trichomoniasis, which does not pose a health threat to humans. “This parasitic infection is probably the most significant cause of death in doves,” said Atkinson. “It has caused large scale die-offs over the years, so the potential for a major die-off must always be a consideration. Trichomoniasis has also been reported as a cause of death in birds of prey, caged birds and domestic turkeys and chickens.”

Atkinson explained that reports of the disease seem to crop up during the late spring, summer and fall. “Affected individuals lose weight, appearing weak, ruffled and listless,” Atkinson said. “In some individuals, cheesy, yellowish lesions may be seen around the beak or eyes, making the face appearing puffy or distended.”

The parasite is transmitted from one bird to another in one of four ways. Adult doves and pigeons may infect their offspring during feeding, infect other adult birds through contaminated food, water, bedding and even through courtship behavior. Raptors become infected after eating infected doves or pigeons.

Atkinson recommends following these simple preventive measures to minimize the chances of spreading this and other diseases such as Salmonellosis, avian pox and Aspergillosis at bird feeders in your neighborhood:

• Give the birds enough space. If you have only one feeder, consider adding another if the area is consistently crowded with birds. This is the most effective option for minimizing disease transmission in the wild.

• Clean the feeder and the droppings on the perching area each time you fill your feeder.

• Disinfect the feeder once or twice a month with one part of liquid chlorine household bleach in nine parts of warm water. If possible, immerse the feeder for at least 20 minutes and allow to air dry.

• Feed only high quality food. Moldy seed or bread or spoiled leftovers should never be offered as food.

• Act early and spread the word. Don’t wait until you see sick birds huddled at the feeder to tell your friends who feed birds to take these precautions.

While trichomoniasis does not pose a health threat to humans, some bird diseases do. If you happen to find a dead bird in your back yard, please follow the recommendations of the Washoe County Health Department:

• Take a plastic bag and turn it inside out around your hand.

• Pick up the bird with your protected hand.

• With your other hand, wrap the bag around the bird and tie it closed.

• Dispose of the bagged bird in an outside garbage receptacle.

• Wash your hands.

For more information visit the website of the National Wildlife Health Center at http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/fact_sheets/coping_with_diseases_at_birdfeeders.jsp

To report bird mortalities, contact Atkinson at (775) 688-1659.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Visit www.ndow.org.