Among the various ailments to which domestic pigeons are subject, there are several especially dangerous. We are talking about those that are extremely contagious and cause rapid and total death of birds. These diseases include Newcastle disease in pigeons. The people call her "twirl."
Symptoms of infection
A nodule is recognized quite easily. Newcastle disease in pigeons begins with the lethargy and indifference of the infected bird. At this stage, the bird laughed, sits, not moving, his eyes are closed, does not respond to what is happening around. Then convulsive moments begin: the feathered one spins in place (for which Newcastle’s disease was called a “twirl” for pigeons), his head is thrown back or twisted, he staggers when walking, often falls, cannot fly up for a long time, and sometimes, standing on the wing , crashes into large objects, which in the normal state easily bends around. In the last stages of the disease, the pigeon paralyzes. He lies on the ground with his chest down, but his beak bulges up. Damage to the nervous system caused by Newcastle disease in pigeons leads to their death in a fairly short time - no more than 9 days. But often the twirl kills birds on the second day. Its course can be complicated by improper feed or errors in maintenance, long transportation, overwork of pigeons or their overcooling. With such adverse components, you can lose up to 70 percent of your dovecote.
Disease spread
The most dangerous, of course, are wild (urban) pigeons. The owners are still watching and sounding the alarm at the first sign, and the "free" birds are completely out of control. However , Newcastle bird disease is dangerous in that its signs appear only about five days after infection, so the pigeon can, with good conscience, unknowingly bring sick pets to the exhibition or sell them. That is why new pigeons are usually quarantined so that in case of infection they do not infect the entire pigeon.
Fighting with a twirl
As with most infectious diseases, prevention is the best way. Maintaining house cleanliness significantly reduces the likelihood of pigeon damage by Newcastle disease. It is worth remembering that in the cold viruses survive for many years, but high temperatures are harmful to them. Many owners of dovecotes advise, after treating the house, with formaldehyde, to pour boiling water over the surfaces. Well, even at the slightest suspicion, isolate a strange-acting pigeon.
In the early stages, pigeons can be saved
Most of the holders of these birds after veterinary tests, making sure that the pigeons have Newcastle disease, do not carry out any treatment. Sick pets are simply destroyed. But if the twirl is not very far gone, you can help the dead pigeon. To do this, he is given immunity stimulants (inject or solder), the Piracetam drug (it is suitable even for children, stimulates the blood supply to the brain and helps the central nervous system), vitamins designed specifically for pigeons, and the Karsil medicine to help the stomach and liver. As you can see, the therapy is rather laborious, therefore it is clear that only especially valuable individuals are saved. And when you consider that while you are treating a pigeon, he has to help drink and eat, you will think more than once: save this or buy another.