Caecal trichomoniasis of game birds in North Yorkshire
Higgins, R.J.
Veterinary Record 107(10): 228
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7445337 Document Number: 163607
During the summers (July and August) of 1978 and 1979 Trichomonas phasiani infection became a major disease problem among artificially reared young game birds in North Yorkshire, UK. Pheasant poults between 3 and 12 weeks of age in rearing pens or soon after transfer to release pens showed a sudden onset of listlessness and inappetence with the production of foamy yellow droppings, followed by marked weight loss and weakness. Morbidity often approached 100% but mortality ranged from 2 to 40%. The caeca were distended with foamy grey liquid and the caecal walls were thin and translucent but not grossly inflamed or ulcerated. Wet smears from the fluid contained numerous trichomonads; these could only be detected in freshly dead birds. Oral treatment with dimetridazole at 60g/45 l water for 5 days, followed by a further 5 days at half this dosage, was highly effective, stopping the mortality and diarrhoea and restoring appetite, although body condition took several weeks to improve.