Health guide
More bacterial infections
Pigeons can develop E. coli, streptococcal, staphylococcal, pasteurella and other bacterial infections affecting the gut, respiratory tract, wounds, joints or bloodstream.
How to recognise it
- Nonspecific illness: fluffed feathers, poor appetite, weight loss, diarrhoea or reduced activity.
- Local infection may cause swelling, heat, discharge, joint pain, lameness or a wound that fails to heal.
- Sepsis may cause sudden collapse, breathing changes, cold extremities or rapid deterioration.
Usual treatment approach
- Samples for microscopy, culture and sensitivity should be collected; the vet should decide whether it's it's time to start broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment or wait for the results.
- Usual treatment combines targeted prescription antibiotics with fluids, nutrition, warmth, pain relief and wound or abscess care as needed.
- Avoid leftover or short antibiotic courses: the wrong drug can delay diagnosis and select resistance to certain antibiotics.
Sources and further reading