Avian Trichomoniasis: A serious disease in wild birds
Avian Trichomoniasis is a frequently occuring disease in Pigeons and Doves and is also common in Falcons, Hawks and Owls1. Though rare, it is also seen in song birds, Pheasant, Quail and water fowl1. Avian trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoan, Trichomonas gallinae, a parasitic species characterized by both avirulent and highly virulent strains. Hanson speculated that trichomoniasis may have played a major role in the extinction of the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)2. In the western US, trichomoniasis remains a major cause of death for barn owls3.
A number of research studies have utilized our InPouch™ TF diagnostic for Trichomonas surveillance in avian populations4-6. While the InPouch™ TF test is designed as a bovine trichomoniasis test, its proprietary formula is perfectly suitable for use with samples collected from the mouth and upper GI tract of birds. For more information, contact Biomed Diagnostics.
References:
1. Trichomoniasis. in: Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases: General Field Procedures and Diseases of Birds. Biological Resources Division Information and Technology Report 1999-001. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Service.
2. Hanson RP. 1969. The possible role of infectious agents in the extinction of species. In Peregrine falcon populations. J.J. Hickey (ed.). University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, pp. 439-44.
3. Pokras MA, et al. 1993. Trichomonisais in Owls. In Raptor Biomedicine. P.T. Redig et al (eds.). University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp. 87-91.
4. Bunbury N, et al. 2005. Comparison of the InPouch TF culture system and wet-mount microscopy for diagnosis of Trichomonas gallinae infections in the pink pigeon Columba mayeri. J Clin Microbiol. 43(2): 1005-6.
5. Bunbury N, et al. 2007. Trichomonas gallinae in Mauritian columbids: Implications for and endangered endemic. J Wildlife Diseases. 43(3): 399-407.
6. Cover AJ, et al. 1994. A new method for the diagnosis of Trichomonas gallinae infection by culture. J Wildlife Diseases. 30(3): 457-9.