Ornithose complex
Ornithose sec is the name for an infection caused by Chlamydiae in pigeons. This infection in its purest form is often recognized in the autumn as the 'one eye cold'. One or a few pigeons in the loft can then have a unilateral inflammation of the eye. In the Netherlands this Chlamydiae infection has been a notifiable disease for veterinarians. This is one of the causative agents that play a role in the so-called ornithosis, this is where we mostly talk about in this article. Practice shows that airway infections are only rarely caused by a single agent. Usually it is a complex of certain infections that combined the severity of the disease.
In this article I want to talk about these divers pathogens what this condition has, but particular attention to the solution of this problem. The respiratory problems can be approached from different perspectives. From the scientific way of thinking one is particularly interested in the various pathogens individually involved in the Ornithosis complex. During research one looks into various pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa and viruses.
From the standpoint of science it is understandable. Indeed, it is also important to determine which pathogens are involved in a specific disease. But from the standpoint of the pigeon lover, also from the standpoint of an average pigeon doctor, is it especially important to control the airway problem in its entirety.
Indeed, it is especially the interplay of various pathogens, together with the conditions (loft circumstances, transportation troubles etc.) that makes the existence of disease and also to what extent.
It is therefore important, out of the viewpoint of the medical support to keep the whole of the Ornithosis complex manageable. And that requires a different approach than the purely scientific or prescribing any medication.
In the quiet months, we also get the various pathogens involved in the Ornithosis complex. But what we often notice is that the pigeons show no virtually or no symptoms. So sometimes the aforementioned 'one eye cold'. Why is this? This is because all of the conditions (Terrain) do not meet the requirements to the disease outbreak.
The same pathogens can indeed cause illness during the racing season under other circumstances. So we see that it is important that certain conditions have to come together to make the disease break out. It is also understood that we are using a method to tackle these circumstances to minimize the infection, the risk that can help reduce the illness. We can improve the ventilation in the loft, avoid overcrowding, improve hygiene, disinfection, and so on. In addition, it is important that we reduce the infection pressure in its entirety in order to have little or no disruption of Ornithosis-complex. We must state that the defenses of the animals to support as much as possible.
With a good defense, we make the pathogens also a lot harder again to exhibit their bad qualities. We have seen that the head problems are primarily a matter of the so-called Ornithosis complex. Treating only one pathogen that plays an important role in the quiet season is a good approach. During the game season this usually does not have the desired effect. Indeed, there are many other pathogens beaters game within Ornithosis complex.
And in that the conditions during the racing season are typically much worse in view of the maintenance of the body's defenses, the probability is then also present that take over the other pathogens in the vacant place. This can be prevented by calming the defense of the pigeons and give them a chance to respond. But then, we usually don’t during the racing season. We then demanded that the pigeons are in top condition as soon as possible. Often one chooses to give a cure for the respiratory cycle to quickly achieve that goal. But this should not be a routine. By ensuring that the resistance of the pigeons is as high as possible, one can support the pigeons, so the infection pressure be kept as low as possible. The probability that individual pigeons with a weaker resistance if infection pressure booster will occur will be smaller.
This background requires a broader approach than just getting rid of the pathogens of Ornithosis complex with a (preferably based on research) drug with a good effect. The lofts who handle problems this way have to do this regularly. In addition to thorough research into the use drugs that are most suitable, also with the other factors to be addressed which can contribute to the maintenance of the problem. (loft circumstances, resistance, power, etc). Only by simultaneously tackling the problem wide one can ensure the long-term for a limited infection of the pathogens that cause Ornithosis complex.
To avoid that, during the racing season, one has to grab to the medicine jar ( To much and to often), it is important to ensures that pigeons can build an optimal defense during the quiet season (autumn and winter). A sound natural approach can contribute to this. The autumn and winter months were back for the lectures, fairs and forums. At these meetings, it is striking that, in view of the reactions, still plenty of people who give a different interpretation to the "natural supervision" of the sport. The pigeon fanciers who visit the clinic are usually fanatics who the philosophy concerning the supervision of the sport, as I am, do know. On the stock markets so there are plenty of fans who come to the question of what form of guidance which now entails.
During the autumn- and winter months there are a lot of lectures, fairs and forums. At these meetings, it is striking that, in view of the reactions, still plenty of people who give a different interpretation to the "natural supervision" of the sport. The pigeon fanciers who visit the clinic are usually fanatics who get the philosophy concerning the supervision of the sport, as I am, do know. On the stock markets so there are plenty of fans who come to the question of what form of guidance which now entails.
During fairs, a lot of fanciers ask the next question. “What entails that way of guidance?”. Then you suddenly realize yourself again that in recent years much has been changed, but that there is still much uncertainty. Many think merely natural products are used to keep the birds healthy. However, this is not the case. I do indeed use of drugs as the birds are sick. But I see that as a starting point and not as an endpoint. At the time the birds are sick, one must also want to deal with the circumstances that have caused a few things.
Especially in the spring, as the birds are not yet been in contact with other pigeons, it is important to determine whether there are (chronic) airway problems which arise because, for example, the ventilation of the loft is not optimal. If this is the case, that almost guarantees a regular need to intervene with medication to curb the problems during the game season. An undesirable situation. It is therefore important to check by means of measurement of the air flow in the loft or whether it is sufficient to, on the other hand to see if there is draft in the loft. One can now invite experts who often give good advice. I see many good results with it are achieved in practice. If one does not want to spend money, one can do it themselves. Using a metal bucket, straw and paper and set it on fire, so that much smoke arises.
They set it in the air in order to assess whether there is sufficient ventilation. Once the bucket is removed, the climate in the loft has to be back to normal within about fifteen minutes. The air flow is then set so that the smoke does not pull directly to the shelves of the pigeons, but not disappear straight up without some circulation so as ancient air on the shelves can linger. With the many races that are often placed on the loft, we see that the smoke through the same run pulling out. It is often a question of trying out a number of variations in order, apparently, to achieve an improvement.
Optionally, to make any changes required to assess course, one were to return to effectiveness. Are the changes effective than refurbish the pigeons with this disease usually within three weeks completely without medication. The performance will often also improve accordingly. We also have to watch the matches in which the pigeons participate. Indeed, during long distance races, it is certainly possible to get fantastic result without medication. The pigeons have to take less part in the races so the infection is usually less. When the pigeons that usually participate in the program flights, this is less. Because when the pigeons are basked in the infection pressure often increases. Pigeons who are not optimal with the conditions of the airways will be the first to show systems and help to increase the risk of infection in the loft. Also here it is important to minimize the infection pressure. Optimization of the resistance can be an important contribution.
“The best “cure”is and stays selection”
But the best medicine is and remains a thorough selection. Pigeons who have regular problems with infections and have low resistance don’t belong on a playing loft. Such pigeons increase the dependency of drugs and antibiotics.
It is obvious that if the birds are sick we are lucky that we have antibiotics available to help to overcome the infection. We need to work appropriately and decisively in these cases. However, the use of antibiotics should not take the place of good zootechnical measures and optimization of the resistance.
Where the latter is concerned, there are opportunities in the natural road. Practice shows that it is possible to support the pigeons so that they are less susceptible to infection. On selecting this way, in the long term, it will also be better. Indeed, the chronically weak brothers are thus not constantly taken medication. In this way, this can also decrease the risk of infection in the loft. The outbreaks of diseases take off. As a result, the need for antibiotic agents is smaller.
These days it is not enough to perform only at feed and water. The pigeon sport has become Top sport. If we want to leave to much at change, in a lot of cases you are guaranteed that you stare in the air. Obviously, in the first place one should have good pigeons, one needs a good lover who uses his eyes and is consistent. The prices of the next season will be achieved in the winter. But also to use during the racing season is of great importance. Provide nutritional supplements can have its uses. This has been proven. But it is only useful if one combines giving supplements to a thorough training program for the pigeons and act consistently. Also known to act Zoo technical.
Good Luck!
Peter Boskamp
