Do your Pigeon / Kabootar have Canker Disease? “
is a term we often get from customers, and many times, hear their desperation in their voice when they have a serious case in their flock. Canker in birds is a deceiving and persistent condition that should not be taken lightly, however, with proper observation, preparation, and preventative measures, you can learn to live with it while minimising the number of cases.
What is Canker, Anyway?
Canker, scientifically known as Trichomonas columbae, is a microscopic protozoan parasite that affects the bird’s digestive tract, which includes the crop, throat, and other internal areas. Infection often leads to inflammation and ulceration in the upper digestive tract, which is usually in the form of the commonly seen yellow, cheesy like lesions in the mouth and throat.
Pictured above: a microscopic look at the canker organism, known as a trichononad. They’re fast motility, which is done by their tail (Axial rod), allows them to quickly move and cross-contaminate.
Contrary to what some fanciers and enthusiasts believe, canker is not a bacteria or virus, so treating it with an antibiotic or anti-viral suppressant will not eradicate the trichononads – it’ll only help with secondary infections (if they are bacterial and/or viral).
Identifying Canker and its Common Symptoms
Canker can be easily mistaken for other types of ailments which produce similar in-mouth sore which include:
*Mycotoxicosis (ingestion of toxic grains)
*Capillary Worms
*Calvary Stones
*Sour Crop (fungal)
*Wet Pox (viral)
Since there are obviously many conditions that may look like canker, the only way to get a definite diagnosis is to consult with a veterinarian or by examining a sample under a microscope.
SOME COMMON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF A BIRD INFECTED WITH CANKER INCLUDE:
High mortality, especially in young
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