Disease

Roundworms (Ascarids)

الديدان المستديرة

Ascarids

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.

The most common type of worm in pigeons. They live in the intestine and feed on digested food; they are more common in feral pigeons and less common in racing pigeons kept under health supervision.

Symptoms

General lethargy; heavy infestations (300+ worms in one bird) can cause severe emaciation.

Causes

Roundworms (Ascaridia columbae) — a direct intestinal life cycle; the larvae can encyst in the lungs and liver.

Transmission

Worm eggs are shed in the droppings, and the bird becomes infected by eating snails, earthworms or carrier insects.

Diagnosis

Microscopic examination of the droppings for worm eggs, or diagnosis at post-mortem.

Treatment

Moxidectin, piperazine, levamisole, ivermectin, or selamectin.

Prevention

Loft hygiene, preventive deworming program at least every 6 months.

References

Egyptian Health Council – Pigeon Diseases 2025

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