Rotavirus Information

 

A large percentage of birds infected with Rotavirus can be cured when intensive treatment begins immediately at the first of the disease. Deaths are reduced to negligible numbers by recognising the first signs of infection and starting this treatment plan immediately for any bird that shows signs of infection.

 

SIGNS OF ROTAVIRUS INFECTION

 

Birds stay on the perch and do not come down to eat or drink.

 

Birds become fluffed up and develop a cocky comb.

 

Vomiting and dark green slimy droppys appear.

 

CROP FEEDING IS NECESSARY TO SAVE LIVES BECAUSE

SERIOUSLY INFECTED BIRDS DO NOT EAT OR DRINK.

 

All sick birds must be crop fed 20ml prepared ER Formula at least twice daily until they start eating on their own. Antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian are incorporated into this treatment. Please refer to our clients only section for detailed instruction.

 

PREPARATION OF ER FORMULA
These instructions are to make up enough formula for 10 birds. Adjust this according to how many birds you need to treat. To prepare 200ml ER Formula place 6 level tablespoons (80gm/6 red spoons) of ER Formula in a measuring jug. Then add 150-200ml warm water (20-25C) in small amounts and mix continually until a smooth buttermilk consistency is created. Into this mix add 1ml (20 drops) Quick Gel and antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian and mix thoroughly.

ADMINISTRATION OF PREPARED ER FORMULA
It is best to use a 50ml syringe when crop feeding multiple birds. The syringe is filled to the 40ml mark and 20ml of the mixture is given to each bird. Between batches clean and disinfect the crop needle and syringe in KD. The plunger of the syringe is dipped in cooking oil to lubricate the syringe for ease of use.

 

DISINFECTION OF CROP NEEDLE BETWEEN FEEDS
After each bird is fed the crop needle is disinfected. This is achieved by dipping the needle into a cup of disinfectant strength KD Powder (1 tspn/L water) for 5 seconds between each feed.

 

EXPECTED USAGE OF ER FORMULA
For a flock of 100 birds, expect to use 1kg of ER Formula over the course of the treatment.

 

Our individual treatment plan will save up to 95% of birds in otherwise healthy flocks when implemented at the first sign of illness. This plan is far less effective (10-15% losses) when treatment is delayed or other diseases are present. More detailed information on the disease outbreak and our treatment plans can be found in the clients only section.

 

BE PREPARED: All fanciers should be prepared for possible infection and have a Flock Treatment Plan on hand should thisbecome necessary. An emergency response kit should include a crop needle, ER Formula and Quik Gel as well as appropriate antibiotics. This will enable fanciers to initiate the Flock Treatment Plan and Individual Bird Treatment Plan immediatelyat the first sign of the disease and in doing so save many birds.

 

Individual Treatment Plan Based on Day by Day Oservations

An individual approach to treatment is required because not all birds show signs of infection at the one time. Some birds are immediately affected whereas others appear well and then suddenly become ill later. An individual treatment plan focuses on each particular bird’s stage of infection. The most critical stage for treatment is when the bird stops eating and drinking. This life threatening period lasts for 2-3 days. Intensive crop feeding treatment is required at this time to save the lives of these birds. Without this treatment, these birds will die.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISINFECTION PLAN: The disease appears to be spread mainly via the droppings and especially through the drinking water. It may also be spreadvia the feathers, or in the environment on wood shavings, glass or rubberwhere it can persist for long periods. This explains the difficulties incontaining the disease in outbreak areas. Strict hygiene is required to controlthe spread of the disease both within and between lofts. This disinfectionplan prevents the build up of germs that burden immunity and in doing sopromotes good health.

 

FOOD HYGIENE: In order to lessen the possibility of the spread of thedisease via contaminants in the environment, it is best to access food frommerchants that offer strict biosecurity measures if you purchase your foodfrom within infected areas..

 

BIO-SECURITY: Follow strict personal hygiene practices. Wash clothes usinga hot water cycle above 59C with Pine O Clean/Protector as a disinfectant.Donot visit other lofts or have others visit your loft. Do not congregate withother pigeon fanciers. Utilise technologies such as Skype to communicate.