Prevalence and pathogenic significance of circovirus-like infections in racing pigeons (Columba livia)

Abstract

The prevalence of circovirosis in 158 young racing pigeons necropsied in the Avian Diseases Clinic of Ghent University (Belgium) between January and August 1999 was 19%. The highest incidence was observed between March and May. The frequency and nature of concurrent infections, lesions and clinical signs were identical in pigeons that were positive and pigeons that were negative for circovirus infection, though mortality was significantly higher in the former. Findings indicate that circovirosis is an infection that is frequently associated with mortality in young pigeons. Clinical indications for the immunosuppressive effects of circovirus were not found.