Avian Empire Blog — Bird Health

Pigeon Rotavirus

In 2016 an outbreak was identified in Western Australia and over the next few years there were separate outbreaks identified in other Australia states, Europe and New Zealand. Last year (2019) at the beginning of March there was a notification of the presence of a Rotavirus outbreak in racing pigeons in both Auckland and Christchurch. 

WARNING: The photos are post mortem examinations from a clinical case and not for the squeamish.

This fungus often presents in poultry, but non-poultry birds are also affected. In most cases this issue is seen after hatching/brooding due to inhalation of fungal spores from contaminated equipment. Respiratory signs are often seen with changes to the "voice" or crow of the patient. Infection is often in those animals who are immune suppressed or exposed to high spore counts

WARNING: The photos are post mortem examinations from a clinical case and not for the squeamish.

Let's talk about....Fatty Liver Syndrome

All though all birds retain fat in their livers, egg layer chooks retain more fat in their livers then non-layers and male birds. This syndrome is characterised by the extreme accumulation of fat, sudden drop on egg production and increased mortality.