Abstract

The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of diseases in Tuticorin district and to get an insight in pigeon production, disease management and vaccination status.  A sample of 50 pigeon fanciers was randomly selected from different taluks in Tuticorin district and face to face interviews were conducted among them using a standard questionnaire.  Among these a total of 202 diseased pigeons was examined. According to age, they were classified into three categories squab (1-2 weeks), young (30–90 days) and adult (>90 days).  Those diseases were identified by conducting the survey with a standard questionnaire among the pigeon fanciers and the study duration was from July 2016 to December 2016 and September 2t017 to November 2017.  Out of 202 diseased pigeons 35.64% were raniket disease or Newcastle disease (paramyxovirus), 18.11%were canker disease, and 11.38%    were   one eye cold disease. In most of the lofts, the owners didn’t vaccinate their pigeons against the common diseases, even though many of them were aware of the diseases. Pigeon fancier’s education and awareness of pigeon diseases needs to be improved through veterinary public health and health promotion approach. Non pharmaceutical preventive measures such as hand washing and avoidance of eye, nose and mouth touching after handling of diseased pigeons must be improved.