2024-07-29
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas gallinae, a single-celled, pear-shaped protozoan with 4 whip-like anterior flagella and a fin-like undulating membrane that extends for approximately 2/3 of the total body length. The protozoan moves by undulation and flagellar action. Trichomoniasis is also known as Canker (in doves and pigeons) and as Frounce (in raptors). T. gallinae is a parasite of the upper digestive tract of many avian species causing accumulation of necrotic material in the mouth and esophagus. It is principally a disease of young birds and is often fatal. Nearly all pigeons and doves harbor the organism and can be a source of infection (in one case, 80-90% of adult pigeons were infected, but exhibited no clinical signs). There are avirulent strains which do not cause disease and highly virulent strains that circulate within bird populations causing disease and death. The severity of the disease to the bird depends on the susceptibility of the bird and the pathogenic potential of the strain of the parasite.