Understanding Pigeon Diseases: How Early Testing Can Save Your Flock

Understanding Pigeon Diseases: How Early Testing Can Save Your Flock

Pigeons are remarkably resilient birds, admired for their intelligence, adaptability, and endurance. But like all animals, they are vulnerable to a range of infectious diseases that can spread quickly within a loft or aviary, often before any visible signs appear. Whether you are a breeder, rescuer, racer, or simply a caretaker of a few cherished companions, understanding common pigeon diseases—and proactively screening for them—can make the difference between wellness and widespread loss.

🦠 The Hidden Threat of Infectious Disease

Many pigeon pathogens are shed in droppings, saliva, or feather dust and can spread via shared water, feed, or close contact. Unfortunately, some of the most damaging infections—like circovirus or paramyxovirus—can circulate silently in apparently healthy birds. Early detection is essential not only to prevent outbreaks but also to inform responsible sales, breeding decisions, and flock introductions.

📈 Meet the Most Common Pigeon Pathogens

Here are a few of the most important diseases affecting pigeons today:

Pigeon Circovirus (PiCV)

A widespread virus that weakens the immune system and contributes to Young Pigeon Disease Syndrome (YPDS). Symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, and diarrhea.

Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1)

A virulent virus related to Newcastle Disease. It can cause twisting of the neck, paralysis, green droppings, and death. Zoonotic in rare cases.

Trichomonas gallinae (Canker)

A protozoal parasite found in the mouth and crop. Highly contagious and often fatal in young birds. Can cause visible plaques and swallowing difficulty.

Salmonella (Paratyphoid)

A bacterial infection spread through feces, contaminated water, and eggs. It may cause lameness, diarrhea, and death in squabs. Zoonotic.

Chlamydia psittaci (Psittacosis)

A bacterial pathogen that causes respiratory and digestive signs and is transmissible to humans. Birds may appear healthy while shedding the bacteria.

Pigeon Herpesvirus (PiHV)

Often co-occurs with circovirus. Causes weight loss, respiratory trouble, and can act as a latent trigger for other infections.

Pigeon Adenovirus

Part of the Young Bird Disease Syndrome complex. Can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and sudden death, especially in young pigeons.

Avian Polyomavirus (APV)

Causes high mortality in fledglings. Symptoms include crop stasis, depression, and sudden death. Often underdiagnosed.

Mycobacterium avium complex

A chronic bacterial infection that causes wasting, diarrhea, and lameness. Difficult to detect without specialized testing. Zoonotic.

🚀 Fast, Accurate Screening with the Affordable Avian Pigeon Panel

At Affordable Avian Diagnostics, we offer a streamlined pigeon health panel to detect these threats before they spread.

🔍 Basic Panel includes testing for:

• Pigeon Circovirus (PiCV)

• Pigeon Paramyxovirus (PPMV-1)

• Trichomonas gallinae (Canker)

• Salmonella spp.

🔹 Enhanced Panel includes everything above, plus:

• Pigeon Adenovirus

• Chlamydia psittaci (Psittacosis)

• Pigeon Herpesvirus (PiHV)

• Avian Polyomavirus (APV)

• Mycobacterium avium complex

Sample type: Combined oral + cloacal swab Turnaround: Results in 3–5 business days Submission: Simple mail-in kits available for breeders, fanciers, and rescues

✅ Why Test?

• Prevent outbreaks

• Protect buyers and adopters

• Make informed breeding decisions

• Avoid costly losses

• Support responsible aviculture When you order our full pigeon panel, you can decide the level of testing you'd like done- from the basics to more comprehensive panels; and save even more when you bundle! Our industry-beating low pricing gets even lower when you opt for the panel! You can even throw in a gender test for only $10 more. Affordable Avian Diagnostics vs. Industry Pricing: Pigeon Health Testing Comparison
  

  At Affordable Avian Diagnostics, we believe in transparent, affordable, and comprehensive disease testing for every pigeon owner. Here's how our pricing compares to other leading avian diagnostic labs for common pigeon pathogens.
  

  Pricing Summary

Panel	Affordable Avian	Other Labs (Average)	Savings
Basic Panel (3 tests)	$55	~$195 (avg. $65/test)	$140+
Enhanced Panel (8 tests)	$132	~$480 (avg. $60/test)	$348+
Ultra Panel (9 tests + PPMV-1)	$167	~$550	$383+
Add-on: Gender	$10 (w/ panel)	$15+	Small savings

Panel Details

🔹 Basic Panel – $55 (Separately $66)

• Pigeon Circovirus (PiCV)

• Trichomonas gallinae (Canker)

• Salmonella spp. (broad screen)
  

🔹 Enhanced Panel – $130 (Separately $176)

Includes everything in Basic, plus:

• Pigeon Adenovirus (Type I & II)

• Chlamydia psittaci (Psittacosis)

• Pigeon Herpesvirus (PiHV)

• Avian Polyomavirus (APV)

• Mycobacterium avium complex
  

🔹 Ultra Panel – $160 (Separately $211)

Includes all 8 Enhanced Panel targets plus:

• Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1)
  

Individual Test Pricing

• Individual disease tests: $22 each

• PPMV-1: $35 (RNA-based test)

• Gender add-on: $10 with panel ($15 if separate)
  

📊 Market Comparison Breakdown

Test	Affordable Avian	Animal Genetics Inc.	WADDL / University Labs
PiCV	$22	$24.50	$70
Trichomonas	$22	$24.50	Not offered
Salmonella spp.	$22	$24.50	$70
Chlamydia psittaci	$22	$24.50	$70
Pigeon Herpesvirus	$22	$24.50	$70
Pigeon Adenovirus	$22	N/A	$55–$70
Avian Polyomavirus	$22	$24.50	$70
Mycobacterium	$22	$24.50	$45–$70
PPMV-1	$35	Not offered	$60–$70

✅ Why Affordable Avian?

• ✔️ Flat pricing – no hidden fees, no extra charges

• ✔️ 3–5 day turnaround – faster than many university labs

• ✔️ Custom pigeon panels – not repurposed parrot or poultry tests

• ✔️ Add-on options – like gender for just $10
  

Affordable Avian was built for breeders, fanciers, and rescuers who care deeply about bird health—but don’t want to pay triple for basic diagnostics.

Visit the pigeon panel page to order your kit or compare panels.

Whether you're managing a large loft or one cherished pet pigeon, diagnostic testing provides peace of mind—and helps protect the health of birds everywhere.