Health guide
Adenovirus
Adenovirus-associated disease is seen especially in young pigeons and may occur with aggressive secondary E. coli infection. Similar digestive signs have several other causes.
How to recognise it
- Sudden loss of appetite, vomiting or regurgitation, rapid weight loss, crop full of water (polydipsia).
- Large watery or yellow-green droppings, lethargy and fluffed feathers.
- Young birds are more likely to develop adenovirus and also deteriorate quicker than adults, particularly when secondary bacterial disease develops.
Usual treatment approach
- There is no direct antiviral treatment; prompt veterinary assessment focuses on hydration, nutrition and temperature support.
- Testing (usually PCR) helps distinguish adenovirus from paramyxovirus, parasites, toxins and bacterial disease.
- Antibiotics are often used on diagnosed or strongly suspected secondary bacterial infection, very much preferably by an avian veterinarian.
Sources and further reading