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Veterinary care of the racing pigeon

KEEPERS of racing pigeons rear and train their own birds and may require veterinary advice when breeding and/or competition results prove unsatisfactory. The veterinary surgeon attending a racing pigeon loft must have a good understanding of the pigeon as an athlete and the factors that affect performance, as well as the epidemiology of diseases affecting pigeons. The balance between health and disease in birds is influenced by many variables and a sound veterinary approach, building on a targeted flock health plan and working closely with the pigeon fancier, is required to achieve good results. This article discusses the key areas contributing to the health of racing pigeons, including loft management, nutrition and hygiene, and highlights the importance of preventive medicine. It also describes the diagnosis and management of the more commonly seen diseases in pigeons and their associated epidemiology to help the practitioner investigate and combat the various threats to pigeon health.

Glen Cousquer graduated from Edinburgh in 1997. He worked in mixed practice for two years and as a wildlife veterinary officer for the RSPCA for four years. Since 2003, he has worked in exotic referral practice and gained additional zoo and exotic animal experience in the UK, South Africa and France. He holds the RCVS certificate in zoological medicine.

David Parsons graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1975 and worked in large animal practice where he developed an interest in avian diseases. He runs a specialist veterinary and consultancy service for the poultry industry, and lectures at Bristol on avian diseases and at Liverpool on diseases of pigeons.