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Trichomoniasis identified in many bird species
Nancy Anderson, DVM, PhD, AVBP (Avian) |
Prior to this study, Lindsay Wildlife Museum received birds with Trichomonas gallinae -diagnosed primarily by associated oral and ocular infections. However, we were unable to suppress infections in the avian patients. All birds brought to the wildlife hospital are now screened for trichomoniasis and new treatments have eliminated epidemics within the hospital. In the past four years we have documented that trichomoniasis infects about 1.6% of wild house finches and 0.5% of corvids brought to the hospital. Before this, Trichomonas species were thought to only affect domestic birds, pigeons, doves and the birds that prey on them such as hawks, falcons and owls. |
 The museum is working with Dr. Bondurant's lab at UC Davis to sequence DNA from the parasite. So far, it appears as though the DNA of the Trichomonas species that affects house finches and corvids is identical to that which infects raptors, pigeons and doves but distinctly different than that found in poultry. Since the DNA is identical between the different species of wild birds, it means that it is likely they are transferring the parasite back and forth. |
 It's likely that corvids, being scavengers, are becoming infected from eating dead doves or pigeons and that house finches may become infected from sharing feeders with doves and pigeons. We do not yet have a good explanation for why house finches seem affected and yet goldfinches and other small songbirds appear to be resistant. Recently we have documented the presence of a yet unknown protozoan affecting mockingbirds. We are waiting for the DNA analysis from Dr. Bondurant's lab, but it appears to be a different species of Trichomonas. |
Trichomonas vaginalis , the protozoan that causes trichomoniasis or 'trich' in people , is a related species. Recently, it has become the most common curable sexually transmitted disease in the United States. However, the avian species, T. gallinae cannot be transmitted to people. |
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