Buparvaquone therapy in a rock pigeon infected with Haemoproteus columbae showing torticollis.

Abstract

A clinical Haemoproteus columbae infection in a twomonths rock pigeon was diagnosed on the basis of outward signs and blood smear examination. The clinical signs suggestive of pigeon malaria were anorexia, depression, inability to fly, circling movements and episodes of torticollis. The characteristic halter shaped gametocytes were seen, in thin blood smear, encircling the nucleus of erythrocytes. Buparvaquone therapy, two intramuscular injections at the rate of 5mg/kg at 72h interval, was successful. Supplementation of multivitamin helped in speedy recovery and clinical signs along with uncommon torticollis, completely disappeared in oneweek.