Common Diseases in Falcon

Coccidia are a single cell parasite infecting the bowels of almost all birds like falcons, chickens, pigeons, canaries and parrots.

Coccidia multiply inside the cells of the bowel and leads to its deterioration and this explains:

1. The appearance of red colour (Blood) in the faeces.
2. Dehydration and weight reduction because of inability to absorb food and fluids from the bowels.

Transmission

1. Food infected with coccidia given as food to falcons.
2. Contaminated instruments and cages by faeces of infected birds.

Symptoms

Symptoms may appear in the infected falcon 72 hours after coming into contact with coccidia and eggs appearing in the infected falcons faeces.

Symptoms are:

1. Weak ability to fly.
2. Poor appetite and aggressive attempts to hunt.
3. Dehydration due to diarrhoea.
4. Rapid and huge reduction in weight.
5. Instability and movement shown indicating the falcon is suffering.
6. Bad smelling faeces.
7. Discharge of a partially digested food particles with faeces.

Diagnosis

1. The symptoms as above.
2. Direct microscopic examination of sample of faeces and the presence of coccidia eggs. This should be repeated with more than one sample to confirm the disease.

Treatment

Giving anti-parasitic drugs and giving supportive diet with vitamins especially in sever cases.