Cause:
Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas gallinae.
Symptoms:
Trichomoniasis is the most common infection found in pigeons. Although it will seldom cause clinical disease of crop and throat inflammation, with the typical yellow accumulation, it has a devastating effect on the racing results of pigeons. It will often also predispose pigeons to other diseases and cause bad growth in babies. In severe cases and especially when pigeons immune systems are down it may cause systemic infections in the navel or even in the liver.
Diagnosis:
A crop smear is examined under the microscope and the typical one cellular organism is seen moving around with its anterior flagella.
Treatment:
Racing pigeons, breeding pigeons and babies should be treated preventatively every few weeks according to a good routine program or when diagnosed by cropsmear.
Dimetridazole, Ronidazole, Metronidazole and Secnidazole may be used for routine preventative treatment. It is important to alternate products to prevent resistance. Resistant strains must be treated with Dimetridazole high dose treatments combined with antitoxins or with Secnidazole and Ronidazole combinations.