Canker (Trichomonosis) in birds

Canker, also known as trichomonosis, is an infectious disease caused by the microscopic parasite Trichomonas gallinae. It is particularly common in pigeons and doves, although other species can also be affected.

The parasite commonly affects the mouth, throat and upper digestive tract. In affected birds, it can cause yellow or cream-coloured, cheese-like lesions which may become extensive enough to interfere with eating, drinking or breathing.

Signs to look out for...

Birds suffering from canker may show:

● Yellow, cream or white lesions inside the mouth or throat

● Difficulty swallowing or repeatedly trying to swallow

● Drooling or wet feathers around the beak

● Regurgitation

● Reduced appetite

● Weight loss or a prominent breastbone

● Lethargy or appearing “fluffed up”

● Difficulty breathing in more severe cases

Not every yellow or white lesion inside a bird’s mouth is canker, however, so appropriate assessment is important.

How is canker spread?

The parasite is transmitted between birds through contaminated saliva. Shared drinking water and feeding areas can therefore play an important role in transmission.

Pigeons and doves naturally congregate around food and water, and garden feeding stations can unintentionally create an ideal environment for diseases to spread when lots of birds are using the same small area.

Parent pigeons can also transmit the parasite to their young when feeding them.

🧼 Helping to prevent the spread

Good hygiene around bird feeders and water sources is one of the most useful things you can do.

Clean bird feeders, feeding tables and bird baths regularly, rather than simply topping them up. Discard old, damp or contaminated food and replace drinking water frequently.

Where possible, rotate feeding locations so that food and droppings don’t continually accumulate in the same area. Avoid putting out more food than birds are likely to eat, and clean up discarded food beneath feeders.

If you notice several sick birds using your feeding station, temporarily stopping feeding can help reduce birds congregating in one place while the area and equipment are thoroughly cleaned.

Found a pigeon you think may have canker?

A pigeon with significant mouth lesions, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, weakness or weight loss needs help.

Please don’t attempt to pull or scrape lesions from inside the bird’s mouth. They can be firmly attached to underlying tissue, and attempting to remove them may cause bleeding, tissue damage or airway problems.

Place the bird somewhere secure, quiet and warm, away from pets and other birds, and contact a wildlife rescue or veterinary professional for advice.

Please don’t leave an obviously unwell pigeon because “it’s only a pigeon.” ❤️

Canker can be extremely debilitating, but affected birds deserve the same opportunity to receive appropriate treatment and supportive care as any other wildlife patient.