International White Dove Society Newsletter

Vaccines for Pigeons

I am often asked about vaccinations. I am not a veterinarian, however, I have a Master's Degree and I studied avian diseases for many years. I know enough to know that you should consult a professional veterinarian if necessary, such as if you have a sick bird. With experience you will eventually be able to recognize symptoms of disease and treat them successfully. But until you learn, get the necessary assistance. But on the preventative side, vaccinations are a very important preventative measures that you may take for your flock to keep them in tip-top health. Most of the regimes that you will see for pigeons were developed by the racing folk. Racing birds often mingle at races where diseases may be easily transmitted. White Doves seldom mingle with other flocks, so they tend to remain very healthy. However, if you race birds or show birds, or bring new birds into your flock on a regular basis, it is as good idea to vaccinate. No matter what, always quarantine any new birds for 30 to 60 days before putting them into your loft.

These are the vaccines readily available and recommended by pigeon veterinarians.

A. Paramyxovirus (PMV)
B. Paratyphoid (Salmonella)
C. Pox

Youngsters may receive their first vaccinations soon after weaning (but not before 28 days of age). Give boosters at recommended times after initial inoculation and use oil emulsion vaccine approved for pigeons.

Be careful with Pox because Pox is a live vaccine, so if you vaccinate a bird it will be contagious to any birds that did not receive the vaccine. Either vaccinate your entire flock or none. Birds will be contagious for about 8 weeks after the vaccination. Once they have had pox, they are immune for life.

We will discuss pox and each of these diseases along with parasites and other health problems at length in future issues of this journal.

How to Give a Vaccination to a Pigeon

Giving vaccines is really easy. When you are beginning, have an assistant help you to hold the bird. After you are experienced, you will be able to do this yourself.

For PMV or Salmonella, first of all, remove the metal tab on the top of the bottle and then wipe the rubber bottle top with alcohol to sterilize it. Using a NEW syringe and needle, before you take the cover off the syringe, pull the plunger up. Remove the top of the syringe and place the needle through the soft rubber top of the bottle. You may have to remove the safety top of the bottle first. Push the plunger down (air will go into the vaccine). Then pull the plunger back up and the vaccine will go into the syringe. Remove the needle from the bottle. You are now ready to begin your vaccinations.

Pox is a live vaccine and will come in 2 vials. You must go through all of the above steps to remove all of the liquid from one vial (the dilutent) into the syringe and then using the syringe, place the liquid portion into the second vial of the freeze dried material. The vaccine is now activated and ready for use. Pluck a few feathers from the upper leg and brush the vaccine into the feather follicles.

PMV and Paratyphoid are given with a syringe just under the loose skin of the neck or the groin. You never want to inject into or near the flight muscles. Gently lift the skin and push the needle under the loose skin, holding it the needle parallel to the body so that no muscles or blood vessels are penetrated. When the needle end is under the skin about 1/4 inch, push the plunger on the syringe.

Remember: Never put a used needle into a vaccine solution; always use a new needle when getting more vaccine; be very careful that you do not accidentally poke yourself with the needle and contaminate yourself with the vaccine!

Health Corner

Vaccines for Pigeons