Cause:
Pigeon Malaria is a Protozoal disease caused by the Hamaproteus columbae. Pigeon Malaria is transmitted by the Pigeon fly and possibly by mosquitoes and midges. Although Pigeon Malaria has never been known to cause any clinical disease symptoms it severely affects racing performance. Once a pigeon has been infected by the organism, it is allmost impossible to permanently clear the infection and such infected pigeons need to be treated sporadically to reduce the amounts of parasites in the blood. The organism completes its life cycle in the lung cells and may also play a role in Respiratory diseases. Effective control of the pigeon fly is best way to prevent the infection.
Symptoms:
Pigeon Malaria does not cause any clinical disease symptoms. Pigeons that have a larger amount of the organisms in the blood stream will develop an accute loss of racing performance and do not even want to train around the loft. Pigeons suffering from chronic unresponsive respiratory disease may also be suffering from low grade Pigeon Malaria.
Treatment:
Extended treatment for 10-14 days wwith water soluble Primaquin should be done before the racing season. Treatment with Primaquin for longer than three days result in severe fatty liver syndrome. Always combine Primaquin treatment with a good liver support product to reduce the effects on the liver. Remember to use an effective ectoparaciticide to prevent the transmission of the disease. Three day treatment with Primaquin during the racing season may improve racing performance.