Trichomonas (qula' / trichomoniasis) in falcons
Other names: Qula'، Trichomonas، Throat thrush، White throat، Frounce
Symptoms
- White/yellow cheesy plaques in the mouth and throat
- Difficulty swallowing and dropping food
- Foul smell from the mouth
- Head shaking and discharge
- Sometimes masses in the sinuses above the eye or ear
Diagnosis
A wet mount from the mouth/crop and immediate microscopic examination (the parasite moves).
Treatment
Antiprotozoals of the nitroimidazole group (metronidazole/carnidazole/ronidazole) as the vet directs, with careful removal of the plaques. Treatment must be under the supervision of a veterinarian specialised in birds of prey; doses are determined by weight, species and examination results.
Prevention
Do not feed the bird wild pigeons or pigeons of unknown source; use quail/chicks from a clean source; check lure pigeons.
Season
Year-round (linked to diet). In Bahrain 31.2% of 5,360 falcons had trichomonas lesions (1987-1993).
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.