Avian Trichomonosis (Canker)

 

Avian trichomonosis (also known as 'canker' or 'frounce') is an infectious disease of birds caused by the flagellate protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae. The disease is extremely common in backyard chickens and wild pigeons and doves (approximately 80-90% wild birds are carriers) worldwide.

Chickens usually become infected through sharing a water or feed source with domestic or wild pigeons and doves. T. gallinae can remain infectious for at least 5 days in moist grains and from 20 minutes to several hours in water.

Avian trichomonosis primarily affects the upper gastrointestinal system. Birds will develop 'canker'-like sores inside the oral cavity and esophagus.

As the disease progresses, and the lesions grow in size, they often start to interfere with the chicken's ability to swallow feed and water. In severe cases, the lesions that develop in the esophagus might grow so large that they completely block its opening, causing the chicken to suffocate. There have also been rare cases where the lesions inside the oral cavity have grown so large that they penetrated through the base of their skull into the brain

Treatment by antiprotozoa drugs such as metronidazole and antibiotics to keep secondary infections.Garlic water is also put in flock water.