Paratyphoid in Pigeons

Caused by Salmonella bacteria, paratyphoid can be a danger to pigeons at any time of year, and many fanciers see it most in autumn and winter.

It is one of the most common bacterial diseases in racing pigeons.

Why is Paratyphoid a Concern?

Paratyphoid is one of the most common diseases infecting domestic pigeons, yet it is very often forgotten by owners.

Fanciers sometimes call it winter’s silent killer.

It can move quite quickly through a flock of pigeons, making them sick and perhaps even killing some of them. It often shows up in autumn and winter, after the molting season, when pigeons spend more time close together in the loft.

It can start small but can get out of hand quickly. It is also a vertically transmittable disease which means that parents can pass it on via eggs, producing a new clutch of chicks that are already infected.

As a bird owner, you need to know how to recognize and control it.

What is Paratyphoid?

Paratyphoid is a bacterial infection of the intestine and bloodstream caused by Salmonella, most often Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. It spreads mainly through infected droppings that contaminate food, water and bedding, and can also pass from parents to young.

One variant, Salmonella Typhimurium var. Copenhagen, is especially well adapted to pigeons.

It can be hard to control because some birds carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms. Some birds remain carriers even after treatment.

It only takes one infected pigeon for the problem to begin. The carrier pigeon will contaminate the loft with its infected droppings and gradually the water, food and bedding will become contaminated and spread to other birds.

Unfortunately, the bacterium is hardy and can remain in pigeon poop and dust for months.

The Disease

The infection begins in the intestine. The bloodstream then carries it to other organs, including the liver, brain, spleen and lungs. It can also infect joints, muscles and skin.

Because it can also infect the ovary, eggs may be contaminated. In an infected egg, the embryo may die or the squab may hatch with the infection. Infected squabs may die, often within 4 to 14 days of hatching, or survive and spread the disease.

Adult pigeons with paratyphoid may die, recover or become asymptomatic carriers.

Symptoms of Paratyphoid

There is quite a list of symptoms:

Swollen joints in the wings and legs
Anorexia
Weight loss
Excessive thirst
Drooping wings
Ruffled feathers
Refusal to fly
Soiled feet and tail feathers
Runny eyes
Nasal discharge
Diarrhoea
Watery, green droppings
Reproduction problems
Embryonic or early squab fatality
Death

Diagnosis of Paratyphoid

Diagnosis is made by finding Salmonella in the bird. This is usually done by culturing droppings (often more than one sample, because birds shed the bacteria on and off) or fluid from a swollen joint. Some labs also use PCR.

Autopsies may be performed on dead birds or unhatched fertilized eggs.

Treatment of Paratyphoid in Pigeons

Swift action when one of your pigeons is sick is the best way to ensure that you keep the rest of the birds healthy and safe.

Antibiotics prescribed by a vet are the usual treatment. A culture and sensitivity test shows which antibiotics will work against the bacteria in your loft.

Be sure to separate any sick pigeons from the rest of the flock to help contain the spread of paratyphoid.

Follow your vet’s instructions and finish the full course. Treatment does not always clear carriers, so your vet may suggest retesting the flock afterwards.

After any outbreak of paratyphoid, the pigeon loft needs a deep clean. Empty the loft of the birds and scrub with suitable cleaners or a disinfectant.

Prevention

It’s always better to take preventative measures rather than waiting until you have sick pigeons to deal with paratyphoid.

Quarantine any new pigeons you’re adding to your flock. This enables you to watch for signs of illness and keeps a pigeon away from the others until you’re sure it’s healthy. Some experts suggest continuing this quarantine until the new pigeon has successfully raised a brood of young.

Keeping the pigeon enclosure clean and sanitary is also important for preventing illnesses, including paratyphoid. Clean poop up regularly. Water bowls and bird feeders should also be cleaned and refreshed regularly.

Vaccines against pigeon paratyphoid are available in some countries. Ask your vet whether vaccination makes sense for your loft.

Can Pigeon Paratyphoid Be Passed to Humans?

Paratyphoid is a zoonosis, which means it can pass from animals to humans. Cases from pigeons are rare, but young children, older people and anyone with a weak immune system are more at risk, so all fanciers should take precautions.

Safeguarding measures to take:

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pigeons
Use a hand sanitiser when in the loft
Keep the loft clean and wear gloves when cleaning up bedding and any flooring materials.
Avoid touching birds’ droppings
Have clothes and shoes to wear when you are with your pigeons and keep these items away from the house, especially well away from the kitchen.
Regularly monitor droppings to catch the disease early should it occur in your birds.

Paratyphoid is a common problem for pigeon fanciers. Knowing how to recognize, treat and prevent it is part of keeping a healthy loft.

This guide is general information. If a bird is injured or seriously ill, contact an avian vet or a wildlife rescue as soon as you can.

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Last updated 30 October 2026 · Health