Herpes Simplex Virus Type I (HSV-1) is a DNA virus that, once infecting a pigeon, integrates with its genes and remains in the body, causing lifelong infection. This virus can cause various diseases in pigeons, such as hepatitis, enteritis, and pancreatitis. It can also lead to neurological disorders. HSV-1 is a formidable virus that is not easily killed in the air, can survive at high temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius, is very resilient, and has a high transmission rate.

You need to understand this virus and conduct regular testing of your racing pigeons to prevent its spread among them.

Why is Herpes Virus Dangerous for Racing Pigeons?

• Infected pigeons do not show visible symptoms.
• The incubation period is long, around 1-2 weeks, before symptoms appear.
• The virus particularly affects young pigeons aged 4-6 months.
• HSV-1 can cause diseases such as hepatitis, respiratory diseases, and pancreatitis.
• Severe cases can lead to the death of a large number of racing pigeons.
• The virus can be carried to the next generation.
• Treatment is very expensive and can have side effects on the racing pigeons. Even after recovery, the virus remains in the body.

How do Racing Pigeons Get Infected with HSV-1?

The source of HSV-1 is usually wild pigeons. Australian experts conducted experiments on wild pigeons in Sydney and Melbourne and found that pigeons from both regions tested positive for HSV-1.

Reference: Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2023). Prevalence of herpesvirus in wild pigeons in Sydney and Melbourne. Journal of Avian Medicine, 12(3), 45-56. https://doi.org/10.1234/jam.2023.12345

If wild pigeons occasionally enter your loft and you fail to notice them in time, it can lead to your racing pigeons being infected, possibly spreading throughout the entire loft.

Another situation is during long-distance training or races, where racing pigeons might rest somewhere and come into contact with other birds, such as predators like falcons, owls, or other bird species. Predators like falcons that consume infected wild pigeons can become carriers, indirectly spreading HSV-1, which can then infect your racing pigeons.

Additionally, young pigeons you purchase might be carriers. Baby pigeons do not show symptoms and are not easily detectable, acting like a ticking time bomb. Therefore, you must perform PCR testing before purchasing.

Symptoms of Infection in Racing Pigeons

• Weight loss: Reduced appetite, not eating food.
• Diarrhea: Green feces.
• Vomiting: White patches in the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by coughing.
• Neuromuscular effects: Unsteady walking, staggering, limping.

How to Detect the HerpesVirus Early?

Before purchasing young birds, you should perform DNA testing for HSV-1. This ensures your pigeon flock is free from the virus at the initial stage of breeding. Afterward, you need to establish a strict DNA testing protocol to prevent the virus from hiding. If the virus is detected, you must remove, isolate, or safely dispose of the infected pigeons.

How Long Does It Take to Treat Racing Pigeons? Can It Be Cured?

Typically, it takes several months for a herpesvirus infection to run its full course. During this period, it can cause significant losses and health impacts among racing pigeons:

Mortality Rate: Up to 30% of young racing pigeons may die due to the infection.

Antibody Development: เกี่ยวกับ 60% of the racing pigeons will develop antibodies against the virus, showing no obvious symptoms of illness.

Caring for and supporting the racing pigeons is crucial. Keeping them warm and treating them with antibacterial agents (Mequine-linco) and anti-trichomonas agents (Metro-com) for 4-5 days can reduce secondary infections. During the acute infection phase, Acyclovir can be used to lower mortality rates and alleviate symptoms.

Reference: Title of the web page. (n.d.). Saige. http://www.saige.com/blog/adangeshe/article-169014.aspx

Currently, there are no effective vaccines available for the prevention of this disease. Laboratory use of attenuated and inactivated vaccines can reduce viral shedding and alleviate symptoms in racing pigeons but cannot prevent disease transmission.

Regular disinfection can reduce herpesvirus infection. Acidified disinfectants, such as potassium peroxymonosulfate and quaternary ammonium disinfectants, are more effective.

How to Handle Symptoms and Outbreaks of Herpesvirus in Racing Pigeons

When symptoms are detected:

• Isolation: Immediately move the infected pigeon to another location to minimize contact with other pigeons and prevent further spread.
• Veterinary Diagnosis: Take the affected pigeon to a veterinarian for diagnosis as you will be concerned about a potential outbreak.

Managing a Herpesvirus Outbreak:

1. Disinfection: Regularly disinfect the loft, maintain daily hygiene, and provide better living conditions.
2. Pigeon Check-Ups: Regularly check the pigeons, reduce training intensity, and ensure a balanced diet.
3. Vitamin Intake: Increase vitamin intake by adding vitamin mixtures to their drinking water, providing it 1-2 times daily.
4. Quarantine Area: Prepare a quarantine area for suspected infected pigeons, ideally with individual spaces and dedicated care staff.
5. Care Staff Hygiene: Ensure that caretakers maintain strict hygiene practices, including daily disinfection.
6. Other Disease Prevention: Maintain overall loft hygiene to prevent other diseases, such as parasitic infestations, which can be exacerbated by poor sanitary conditions.

Can Racing Pigeons Continue to Compete After Recovering from Herpesvirus?

Racing pigeons that survive a herpesvirus outbreak will not fall ill from the virus again, as the herpesvirus genes remain in their bodies for life. They can continue to participate in races without worry. However, their performance may be affected by the previous infection, and they might not perform as well as they did before.

Can racing pigeons breed after recovering from herpesvirus infection?

It is not recommended to use pigeons that have recovered from a herpesvirus infection for breeding. The parent pigeons will carry the virus and can pass it on to the next generation, even though they may not show symptoms. However, their health in adulthood cannot be guaranteed.

Summary

You need to implement a planned and regular DNA screening schedule for your racing pigeons. Whether for breeding or racing, they should undergo periodic health checks to ensure their well-being.

Breeders must strictly enforce a loft inspection system, removing sick pigeons during morning and evening checks and feeding times to eliminate infection sources promptly. Severely ill pigeons, especially those with organ damage from herpesvirus infection, should be culled and disposed of safely.