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Avian trichomonosis is primarily an '''upper gastrointestinal''' disease of '''birds''' caused by the flagellate [[Protozoa| protozoal]] pathogen  ''[[Trichomonas gallinae]]''.

Avian trichomonosis 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.  

'''Columbiformes''' (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.

Residing primarily in the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology | crop]] or ingluvies, the parasite is passed from infected '''parents to offspring''' during “pigeon milk” feeding early in life. Adult columbiformes also transmit the protozoan during courtship displays. Infection can then persist for considerable time. Only '''young''' or debilitated 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.  

Domestic chicken and turkey infections are often acquired from drinking '''water contaminated''' by wild birds, usually feral pigeons, ''Columba livia'' or Wood Pigeons, ''Columba palumbus''. There is no vertical transmission from parent to offspring.  

'''Birds of prey''' can also acquire the disease by ingestion of infected birds.

'''Birds of prey''' can also acquire the disease by ingestion of infected birds, and in these species, the disease is often referred to as '''frounce'''.

==Distribution==

==Distribution==

Presence of '''yellow vesicles, “buttons” or masses''' on the oral mucosa and oesophagus is highly suggestive.  

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.

'''Pharyngeal or crop swabs''' can be used for laboratory '''culture''' and Giemsa staining achieving definitive diagnosis. Immediate microscopy of a direct swab may reveal motile, flagellated protozoal organisms.

==Pathology==

==Pathology==

The most frequently affected visceral organ is the '''[[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology | liver]]''', which can then occasionally cause distribution throughout the abdominal cavity.  

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.

In very young pigeons (squabs) the '''navel''' region may be affected, encasing many visceral organs in a caseous mass.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

'''2-amino-5-nitrothiazole''' is the drug of choice due to its lack of adverse effects and few resistance problems at present.

'''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.  

'''Carnidazole''', '''dimetridazole''', '''metronizadole''' and '''ronidazole''' have also been used successfully, although attention should be paid when administering these drugs to food producing animals.  

All are administered in water or by force feeding.

All are administered orally, either in liquid or tablet form for direct medication, or dissolved in water.

==Control==

==Control==

Prevention of '''wild birds' access''' to water sources, good sanitation protocols and quarantine of new birds are paramount to control of this disease.

Prevention of '''wild birds'' access''' to water sources, good sanitation protocols and quarantine of new birds are paramount to control of this disease.

Relevant links: [[Trichomonosis - Cattle | Bovine Trichomonosis]]

Relevant links: [[Trichomonosis - Cattle | Bovine Trichomonosis]]

{{Expert Reviewed

{{Expert Reviewed

|by = Dr Tiana Tasca and Dr De Carli  

|by = Dr Tiana Tasca, Dr De Carli & Dr. Bev Panto

|date = 30 August 2011

|date = 27th July 2017

}}

}}