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Hexamita are two further protozoa, which can
cause clinical disease. Coccidiosis in Merlins: as most readers will
be aware, coccidiosis in Merlins has been an increasing problem for a number
of years. In a paper presented at the Small Falcon Conference in 1991, it was
shown by this author to be the single largest cause of death in captive
Merlins. Since that time the condition has increased in incidence, and in the
last two years has also been shown to be affecting considerable numbers of
Goshawks and Peregrines. Although the therapeutic regime recommended above is
effective in preventing death in affected birds it is still not effective in
totally eradicating the organism from the birds system. As a consequence some
months later the bird will start to shed the organism again, (although not
becoming ill itself). This shedding will lead to considerable contamination
of the aviary, leading to the future infestation of other birds. It is
generally only young birds, or those who are ill for any other reason that
will actually succumb to the disease. This disease is subject of considerable
on-going research at the Clockhouse Veterinary Hospital. We are still happy
to test free of charge mute samples from any captive Merlins, so long as the
keepers are prepared to to send samples on a regular monthly basis. It is
only by this continued research that we hope we can finally get on top of
this disease which has serious future implications for the captive breeding
of raptors, not only in the UK but also in other parts of the world. Above all the important fact that all keepers
should realise is that no one treatment will be effective against any more
than one of these groups of parasites. Treatment will lead to a false sense
of security, may be unnecessary, and moreover can be dangerous. Prior to any
treatment a faecal sample can be quickly and cheaply examined by your
veterinary surgeon who can then advise and supply the most suitable agent. |
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Serratospiculum is most commonly found in this
country in imported birds (coming from warmer countries) The worm itself does
not usually cause any clinical signs, and may live in the air sacs happily
for several years. However if the worm is killed it will rapidly putrefy
often causing a severe air sacculitis and death. If the worm is diagnosed
then the preferable treatment is to treat the bird with wormer daily for 14
days and then to surgically remove the worm from the air sac. Drugs which have been used in the treatment of
roundworms include pipeazine, levamisole, benzimidazoles (e.g. Panacur or
Mebenvet or Pyrantel) and ivermectin (Ivomec). Some of these are now old
fashioned and ineffective, others have very narrow safety margins and can be
dangerous, others are potentially toxic at certain times of year (especially
during the moult), others are safe. Protozoa: This group of parasites includes
'Trichomonas gallinae' the agent which causes 'Frounce'. The most common
source of infection is from pigeons. Many falconers believe that just because
the pigeon looks clean, or by avoiding feeding the crop, the disease can be
avoided; this is not invariably the case - even the breast muscle itself can
carry the infective agent. Any pigeon |
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fed to raptors should be frozen first as this
freezing kills off virtually all the organisms. The disease is seen as white
plaques in the mouth, throat or crop. However the condition must be
differentiated from infection with Capillaria, Candida or Vitamin A
deficiency or owl Herpes Virus (in owls). The differential diagnosis can be
easily made by your vet. Treatment is with Carnidazole (Spartrix) 25mg/kg
once. The single treatment as opposed to the previously recommended daily
treatment for 5 days makes therapy a lot easier, particularly for young wild
or captive birds still on a nest being fed by the parents. The same group of parasites also includes
coccidia, which may be present and cause or not cause disease, depending
which exact species of coccidia is involved. Likewise if disease does occur
the clinical signs and treatment required will be different. Coccidia have
been recognised as increasing due to a build up of infection in captive
breeding aviaries. The disease affects primarily young birds, prior to their
having developed any immunity of their own. The condition is treated with
Toltrazuril (baycox) at 10mg/kg once daily on three consecutive days, or
Clazuril (Appertex) at 5-10mg/kg once daily on three consecutive days.
Giardia and |
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At the Clockhouse Veterinary Hospital, we run
a fast, efficient and cheap service for the testing of mute samples for
parasites. Keepers sending a sample are requested to telephone after 12 noon
on the day (weekday), that we receive the sample, and we will inform them of
the result. |
