Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:27 am Posts: 56705 Location: Poland Wloclawek
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From FB Pot Plant Owl 2 h ago . · Tracy and I are absolutely gutted. We thought we had got the chicks to the vet on time. Sadly the first one we took passed away yesterday. The second chick is still fighting for its life.
But, I am making this post about the terrible disease that is killing off the urban owls in Johannesburg. I have spoken to 4 of Johannesburg's owl rehabilitation centres and, amongst Spotted Eagle Owls, the disease is horrific.
To bird enthusiasts, the Trichomonas disease condition is also known by such names as "trich" (said like 'try-k') or "Canker"
Trichomonas is a protozoan organism that is commonly found in the mouth, throat, gastro-intestinal tract and upper respiratory tract of pigeons, doves, chickens, canaries, raptors and a variety of (parrot) species including budgerigars, cockatiels and Amazon parrots. Both domestic and wild bird species can be affected.
Transmission of the parasite from one bird to another occurs in one of three ways: 1. Infected parent feeding young 2. Contaminated drinking water 3. Infected bird is a prey meal for another bird (raptors most commonly)
In Johannesburg, people are proud of their gardens and love the garden birds that they attract. Including doves, pigeons, sparrows, weavers etc. Most people (like ourselves) put out feeding trays for the birds and have bird baths. It is these bird baths that are responsible for transmitting the disease.
We are aware of this, so to clean the bath of Tryk we empty it out every few days and leave it to bake in the sun for a day.
So, this is an appeal to everyone with a Bird Bath, please empty it out frequently and let it dry in the sun before refilling it.
Regards Allan
Doves and pidgeons are killing the urban owls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8peTfwPPm0
Tragically, this in one of the last videos of the 'Adopted' chicks. Taken on 30 Dec. They are feeding on a Laughing Dove that has been brought to them by Lady, the female. The dove was infected with a deadly disease. One of the chicks succumbed on 3 Jan, the other is currently fighting for its life at a specialist Avian Vet. Lady has not been seen for 5 days
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