CASPER – Trichomoniasis, a concerning infectious disease affecting birds, has been identified in mourning and Eurasian collared doves in Casper. The outbreak, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae, may impact doves, house finches, and pigeons. Trichomoniasis does not pose a risk to human health or domestic pets like dogs and cats. Trichomoniasis poses a significant threat to bird populations. The parasite primarily resides in the upper gastrointestinal tract of infected birds. It can be transmitted through regurgitated food during feeding and via contaminated food and water sources such as backyard bird feeders and birdbaths. Clinical signs of trichomoniasis in birds include weakness, a "fluffed up" appearance, inflammation of the crop and mouth linings, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and the formation of ulcers and masses that may lead to blockages within the mouth. "While not all infected birds exhibit symptoms, the disease can be severe, leadi...
