Disease
Lice
القمل
Feather lice
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.
Very widespread external parasites in pigeon lofts. They live permanently on the infested bird and only leave it to find a new host. Several sub-types differ in where they live on the body.
Symptoms
Itching/irritation, visible lice in feathers, possible feather loss and follicle swelling with heavy infestation.
Causes
Feather lice (several types: long lice, short lice, feather mites, itch mites)
Transmission
Direct contact between birds, and spread through contaminated equipment and nests.
Diagnosis
Direct visual inspection of the feathers, or microscopic examination of a skin scraping when itch mites are suspected.
Treatment
Dipping/dusting with appropriate insecticides (e.g. permethrin) on both bird and loft.
Prevention
Regular weekly bathing in clean water, periodic cleaning of feeders/waterers with hot water.
References
Egyptian Health Council – Pigeon Diseases 2025
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