Falcon herpes (inclusion body hepatitis) in falcons
Other names: Herpes، Pigeon virus in falcons
Symptoms
- Sudden lethargy and reduced eating
- Green/yellowish droppings (yellow urates)
- Often death within a few days
- Sometimes sudden death without signs
Diagnosis
Usually after death: necropsy (foci of necrosis in the liver and spleen and inclusion bodies), PCR.
Treatment
No guaranteed treatment; supportive care. Some vets use antivirals (acyclovir) but without strong evidence from the retrieved sources. Treatment must be under the supervision of a veterinarian specialised in birds of prey; doses are determined by weight, species and examination results.
Prevention
The main prevention: do not feed the falcon pigeons (especially wild pigeons or those of unknown source), as pigeons carry the virus without signs.
Season
Linked to feeding pigeons; documented in the Middle East.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.