Veterinary Services

Malicious poisoning was initially suspected when several dead and dying feral pigeons (Columba livia) were found in one area over a short period of time. Clinical signs suggestive of pigeon paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1) infection were however detected in some live birds, and PPMV-1 was subsequently isolated from affected birds.

Salmonellosis was confirmed in garden birds from several locations, affecting greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) and chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs).

E. coli O86 was isolated from an adult greenfinch found dead. Oesophageal trichomoniasis was suspected in a greenfinch in which the oesophagus was diffusely thickened and necrotic but from which no significant bacteria or yeasts were isolated.