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- Pigeon Herpesvirus (PHV-1)
Disease
Pigeon Herpesvirus (PHV-1)
فيروس الهيربس
PHV-1، Columbid herpesvirus
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.
A viral infection of the respiratory and digestive systems and sometimes the liver. It usually appears when the bird's immunity is weakened or under stress. It is one of the viruses that leaves chronic carriers with no visible signs.
Symptoms
Pharyngitis/esophagitis (sometimes necrotizing), diphtheritic membranes, neurologic signs, green droppings, anorexia, hepatic necrosis in severe cases.
Causes
Pigeon herpesvirus (Columbid herpesvirus 1)
Transmission
Direct contact with infected or carrier birds, and spread through respiratory and oral secretions.
Diagnosis
Histopathology (intranuclear inclusion bodies), virus isolation, or PCR where available; it is important to distinguish it from adenovirus and paramyxovirus because some signs overlap.
Treatment
No specific antiviral treatment; supportive care, antibiotics for secondary infection, immune support.
Prevention
Reduce stress/overcrowding, quarantine new birds, regular loft hygiene, isolate symptomatic birds.
References
LafeberVet – Pigeon Disease Primer؛ Egyptian Health Council – Pigeon Diseases 2025 (إشارة ضمنية ضمن أمراض الجهاز المناعي)
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