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- Hexamitiasis (Spironucleus columbae)
Disease
Hexamitiasis (Spironucleus columbae)
الهيكساميتيازيس
Spironucleus columbae
Educational content for breeders — not a substitute for veterinary advice. Doses and treatments here are general; actual diagnosis and treatment must be supervised by a veterinarian.
An intestinal disease of pigeons caused by a flagellate parasite. It appears more in summer and autumn, and recently weaned squabs are the most susceptible because of their weak immunity. The incubation period is 4–5 days.
Symptoms
Acute enteritis with watery/mucoid or bloody diarrhea, feed refusal with increased water intake, emaciation. Adults often asymptomatic carriers.
Causes
A flagellate parasite (Spironucleus/Hexamita columbae)
Transmission
Through contaminated droppings, with a higher risk in the summer and autumn seasons.
Diagnosis
Microscopic examination of a swab from the intestine or cloaca — the parasite moves in a fast straight line (unlike Trichomonas, which moves in a slow circular motion).
Treatment
Ronidazole, metronidazole, or dimetridazole.
Prevention
Clean water/loft hygiene, monitor newly weaned squabs especially in summer/autumn.
References
Egyptian Health Council – Pigeon Diseases 2025
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