Common diseases in falcons in Iraq

 

 

Dr. Abdul Jabbar Kadhem Al-Kanani / Basra

 

Falcons are considered non-caged birds that are raised for hunting in Iraq and depend on their food on the meat provided to them outside the hunting season (from stored and frozen pigeons). During the hunting season, they feed on the birds they hunt, as well as rats and beetles in the wild. Like any other type of bird, they suffer from several infections that can be summarized as follows:

1. Viral diseases (HRPES VIRUS, POX VIRUS, ADENO VIRUS).
2. Bacterial diseases, the most important of which are salmonellosis and Escherichia coli (E.coli). Then, bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing for bacterial causes are relied upon.
3. Fungal diseases such as infection with Aspergillus (ASPERGILLOSIS).
4. Protozoan infection such as (Trichomoniasis). (COCCIDIOSIS). By observing the pathogen through a swab taken from the mouth or intestine, the cause is determined and treatment is prescribed.
5. Infection with worms such as tapeworms and roundworms. Infections are diagnosed in the laboratory first by direct microscopic examination.

 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an internal parasite that infects various types of birds such as falcons, pigeons, songbirds and owls. However, it rarely infects pheasants, ducks and geese. Local falconers also know this disease as “kelaa” for falcons and “kanker” for pigeons or doves.

 

Method of transmission

1. Using infected birds to feed or train the falcon.
2. Food and water contaminated with the feces of infected birds.

 

Symptoms

1. Vomiting and regurgitation of food.
2. The infected falcon refuses to eat food and tears it into small pieces and throws it away without eating it.
3. The infected falcon shows signs indicating that it is trying to digest or regurgitate food.
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Bad smell coming from the falcon’s mouth.
6. Sometimes swelling of the eyelids occurs, especially when the infection reaches the sinuses and difficulty breathing.

 

Diagnosis

Symptoms as described above. Direct microscopic examination with a swab taken from the pharynx, esophagus or esophagus.Using an endoscope to see the affected part, esophagus or trachea directly.

 

Treatment

1. Using antiparasitic medications.
2. Sometimes surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the obstructive growth resulting from the infection in the sinuses or trachea Air.

 

Prevention and Control

1. Ensure that birds used for feeding and training are healthy.
2. Sterilize tools used with infected falcons before using them with other falcons.
3. Freeze birds slaughtered for food for at least 48 hours to kill any parasites present.
4. Try to maintain falcon rooms and cages well, avoid using shared equipment such as water wells with other birds and do not allow them to defecate on the falcon’s tool.

As for bacterial infections, bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing are performed to determine the best antibiotics to use.

The pictures show how to take a sample from the mouth of falcons for direct microscopic examination. Drug sensitivity testing and INHIBITION ZONE statement