48. Prevention of Disease
Disease prevention is much simpler and cheaper than control or cure. Medicines are only emergency measures used in an attempt to overcome disease.
a. Sanitation. This is the most important way of preventing disease and its value should never be underestimated. The following rules for sanitation in the care of pigeons must be strictly adhered to:
(1) Keep loft clean and dry.
(2) Keep drinking fountain clean and water free from pollution.
(3) Quarantine new stock until certain that all birds are free from disease.
(4) Never permit stray pigeons, wild birds, or rodents (mice, rats, etc.) to enter the loft.
(5) Never feed pigeons on a dirty floor, because most of the more serious diseases are transmitted through the droppings.
(6) Bury or burn diseased birds that have been destroyed.
(7) Immediately isolate birds showing any signs of sickness.
(8) After touching diseased birds disinfect the hands before handling other birds.
(9) Thoroughly clean and disinfect lofts contaminated by disease.
b. Loft condition. Pigeons must never be crowded in the loft. It is best to subdivide large lofts into smaller compartments for better control and ease of observation. Sunlight and dryness are two great natural disinfectants which should be utilized fully through plenty of window space and adequate ventilation. Eliminate strong direct drafts because they chill birds and lower their resistance to disease.