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Also Known As: – '''''Canker''''' – '''''Frounce''''' – '''''Roup''''' – '''''Tetratrichomiasis''''' - '''''Trichomoniasis'''''
Caused by – ''[[Trichomonas gallinae]]''
Relevant links: [[Trichomonosis – Cattle | Bovine Trichomonosis]], [[Trichomonas gallinae]]
==Introduction==
Avian trichomoniasis is primarily an '''upper gastrointestinal''' disease of '''birds''' caused by the flagellate [[Protozoa | protozoal]] pathogen ''[[Trichomonas gallinae]]''.
'''Columbiforms''' (pigeons and doves) are the primary hosts.
Residing primarily in the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology | crop]], the parasite is passed from infected '''parents to offspring''' during “pigeon milk” feeding early in life. Adult columbiforms also transmit the protozoan during courtship displays. Infection can then persist for considerable time. Only '''young''' birds usually show signs of disease.
Domestic chicken and turkey infections are solely acquired from drinking '''water contaminated''' by wild birds, usually feral pigeons.
There is no vertical transmission from parent to offspring.
'''Birds of prey''' can also acquire the disease by ingestion of infected birds.
==Distribution==
Trichomoniasis is present worldwide and is a significant cause of economic loss in pigeons and turkeys. T gallinae can survive a wide range of environmental conditions.
==Signs==
Presence of the parasite in the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology | crop]], oesophagus, mouth, throat and sinuses causes '''yellow lesions/masses''' that grow in size and become obstructive.
Birds may not be able to close their mouths, causing '''dyspnoea''', '''dysphagia''' and fluid accumulation within the oral cavity.
Weight loss, ocular discharge, ataxia and blindness are also commonly reported.
==Diagnosis==
Presence of yellow vesicles, “buttons” or masses on the oral mucosa and oesophagus is highly suggestive.
'''Throat swabs''' can be used for laboratory '''culture''' and Giemsa staining achieving definitive diagnosis.
==Pathology==
'''Caseous lesions/masses''' are commonly present within the the mouth, oesophagus, crop and glandular stomach.
The most frequently affected visceral organ is the '''[[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology | liver]]''', which can then occasionally cause distribution throughout the abdominal cavity.
In very young birds (squabs) the '''navel''' region may be affected, encasing many visceral organs in a caseous mass.
==Treatment==
'''2-amino-5-nitrothiazole''' is the drug of choice due to its lack of adverse effects and few resistance problems at present.
'''Carnidazole''', '''dimetridazole''', '''metronizadole''' and '''ronidazole''' have also been used successfully.
All are administered in water or by force feeding.
==Control==
Prevention of '''wild birds access''' to water sources, good sanitation protocols and quarantine of new birds are also paramount to control of this disease.
==References==
Animal Health and Production Compendium. (2011) '''Trichomonas gallinae datasheet''' accessed online 03/06/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/
BonDurant, R.H., Honigberg, B.M., 1994. '''Trichomonads of veterinary importance.''' In: Kreier, J.P. (Ed.), Parasitic Protozoa, 2nd ed. vol. 9. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 168–177.
Frank K. (2004). '''Canker''' [online] Available at: http://www.albertaclassic.com/trichomonas/trichomonas.php. [Accessed 12 May 2011]
Franssen, F. F. J., Lumeij, J. T.(1992)'''In vitro nitroimidazole resistance of Trichomonas gallinae and successful therapy with an increased dosage of ronidazole in racing pigeons (Columba livia domestica)'''. J Vet Pharm Therap, 15(4):409-415; 20.
Levine N. D (1973)'''The Trichomonads''' Levine ND, ed. '''Protozoan Parasites of Domestic Animals and of Man'''. ''Burgess Publishing Company.'' Minnesota, USA , 88-110.
Samour J. H., Bailey, T. A., Cooper, J. E. (1995)'''Trichomoniasis in birds of prey (Order falconiformes) in Bahrain'''. Vet Record, 136(14):358-362.
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[[Category:To Do - Steph]]