James F. Higgins, V.M.D.

To insure success in the upcoming young bird (YB) race season, fanciers must have their birds in supreme health. Here are some tips and recommendations to keep your YBs fit for the demands of racing.

Vaccinating YBs is very important. I usually wait until the entire YB team is bred and moved to the YB loft, then vaccinate the whole group for pox, paramyxovirus (PMV) and parathyroid. I am reluctant to give all 3 vaccines at the same time, preferring to give pox and PMV together , then parathyroid a few weeks later. Parathyroid and PMV vaccinations are repeated after the YB season in late October. It is important that the pox vaccine be given to all the YBs in your loft at the same time and that bathing be curtailed for 10 to 14 days after this vaccine because pox vaccine is a live vaccine and the pox virus will be transmitted to untreated YBs. I do not routinely recommend antibiotics unless a problem arises and then I try to select the appropriate medication based on culture and sensitivity results. However, I put the YBs through a medication program 2 to 3 weeks before the first YB race using Aureomycin (or another tetracycline such as doxcycline), Tylan powder, Corid, and Ridzol. I then repeat this for 2 days every other week during the season. (See thesummary below for dosages). Remove grit from loft when giving tetracyclines since the calcium in the grit neutralizes the medication.

One final thought on keeping YBs healthy -- YBs are stressed by moulting, training and racing, making them susceptible to disease. We must pay close attention to the early signs of disease and practice sound management, including keeping the loft clean, uncrowded, well ventilated, and dry.

Young Bird Health Program Summary

Wean YBs 24 to 28 Days of Age When Feathered Under the Wing Administer Spartrix (1 tablet daily for 2 days) or Flagyl (1/4 of 250 mg tablet daily for 2 to 3 days) Clorox (or unscented bleach) in water daily (1 teaspoon/gallon) except when giving medications.

Have droppings checked for intestinal parasites every 4 to 6 weeks and treat accordingly with Ivomectin at the rate of 0.1 cc in the mouth of each bird and repeat in 2 weeks. Vaccinate the entire YB team at one time Administer Intervet for pox and Maine Biological or Colombovac for PMV according to manufacturer's directions 2 to 3 weeks later administer SalBac for parathyroid

Repeat PMV and parathyroid treatment after YB race season Race Season: Treatment for 5 days Two to three weeks before races begin, administer the following for five days:

 #1, 2 teaspoons/gallon Aureomycin (or another tetracycline such as doxcycline)

 #2, One teaspoon/gallon Tylan powder along with

 #3., One teaspoon/gallon Ridzol and

#4, One teaspoon/gallon Corid

Then, give Aureomycin or tetracylcine and Tylan for 5 more days. Again, remove the grit. for five additional days. Repeat treatment as a preventative 1 to 2 days each week or every other week with all 4 drugs during the race season. In areas where Haemoproteus (pigeon malaria) is prevalent, use anti-malarial drugs (like Quinacrine) for 30 days prior to the race season, then 1 to 2 days each week during the season. Follow the manufacturer's suggested dosage. Dust with permethrin dust (Insectrin GP) every 2 weeks to control pigeon flies, lice and mites.

James F. Higgins, V.M.D.