Paratyphoid fever… the silent killer during the moulting and winter period

Every year in full moulting period we get the same problems in some lofts: a few pigeons become thin, waste away and then die. Some people breed another round of late youngsters from their top pigeons… and then suddenly it’s too late. It typically starts with a few nestlings that do not grow up or die, a few old pigeons that lose weight, let their wings hang, etc. When such problems occur in the loft, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, salmonella or paratyphoid.

This disease is a bacterial infection caused by the salmonella typhimurium bacteria that is widespread among our pigeons.

If we think logically, this bacterium can only end up in a pigeon colony in 2 ways:

  • either by purchasing new pigeons from an infected colony
  • or during the season via a contamination from the travel basket

That’s why it’s recommended to take a pigeon somewhere to examine it for salmonella and / or to treat and vaccinate it against salmonella.

We advise everyone to give a course of antibiotics for paratyphoid after the gaming season. Consult with your attending veterinarian to find a suitable antibiotic.

In addition, it’s crucial to isolate racing pigeons and their partners from possible contamination with salmonella immediately after the racing season. It’s important to do this before the start of the full moulting period.

We therefore recommend that everyone collect a slurry sample for about 5 days immediately after the last flight and have it examined for salmonella, among other things. If possible, it’s recommended to also sacrifice a pigeon for a thorough autopsy and a subsequent bacteriological examination if possible problems are suspected.

If an infection is found, it’s also necessary to have an antibiogram developed in the lab. After all, there is already a lot of resistance to certain types of antibiotics. With an antibiogram you’re able to know perfectly which medicine is 100% effective against the bacterial strain present in the infected loft.

If there is an infection, we recommend treating it with the right antibiotic for 14 days and then to vaccinate against paratyphoid around 5 days later.

It’s very important to treat all pigeons and NOT to breed them during this period. After all, paratyphoid is a vertically transmissible disease, which means that it can be transmitted via the egg to the next generation of young.

We even advise everyone to give a course of antibiotics for paratyphoid after the gaming season. Consult with your attending veterinarian to find a suitable antibiotic. Immediately after the last flight, treat it for 10 days. After this treatment you can "detox" the pigeons by first giving a course of B-Chol for a full week and then 8 days of Colombine Tea and Muta Seed. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the pigeons moult.

During the moulting period you should also always keep the following in mind: NEVER skimp on a good and decent moulting mixture. After all, the pigeons have to replenish their entire plumage within a few weeks. A completely new set of feathers that has to last them the following season to achieve top performances. Think logically and make sure they have enough building blocks for their new look !!!<

Don't think but act, success starts with you!

Good luck.

Oropharma B-Chol

Unique mixture of sulphuric amino acids, biotin, sorbitol and vitamin B12. To enhance and support the moulting and improve the liver function.
Oropharma B-Chol

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