Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Despite our best efforts, some birds do occasionally become unwell. Conditions such as egg binding or minor injuries from territorial aggression can occur, and I work closely with the NACWO and NVS to manage any issues or illnesses that arise. In such cases, my experience as a VN is useful; I am able to provide immediate care and treatment and monitor the condition until its resolution.
Fortunately, the majority of birds never require any regular veterinary intervention, and most problems I encounter are minor and do not require anaesthesia. For example, one of the small roller pigeons had a beak malocclusion, requiring regular corrective trimming. I performed this procedure using a Dremel-type multitool device to gradually remove small amounts of the overgrown rhamphotheca, carefully reshaping it until proper alignment was restored( Figure 2).
Annually, I vaccinate the birds against avian avulavirus-1( AAvV-1), also known as pigeon paramyxovirus( PPMV-1), and all birds are routinely treated for endo- and ectoparasites, coccidiosis and Trichomonas gallinae( canker) with medication licensed under the Small Animal Exemption Scheme. Faecal samples are tested quarterly for the presence of Chlamydia. The pigeon lofts are situated outside and because of possible interactions with wild birds, I perform random microscopy evaluations of faeces for worm eggs in between scheduled doses.
Biosecurity is upheld and monitored closely, especially during avian influenza season, with disinfectant footbaths at entrance and exit ways, solid roofing to aviaries and wall‘ sneeze’ barriers to prevent contact with wild birds. Cleaning equipment is segregated for each aviary to reduce the transmission of any potential pathogens. The NVS performs quarterly full health checks as required by legislation.
Occasionally, difficult decisions have to be made, such as euthanising a bird that has reached a point where their quality of life is severely compromised. These decisions are always made humanely, in consultation with the NACWO and NVS. However, I must stress that none of the experiments we carry out at the Swansea Lab for Animal Movement have contributed to bird mortality, and euthanasia is considered only in cases where it is absolutely necessary for the welfare of the bird.
What we research, why and how
Figure 2a. A pigeon with an overgrown beak, before trimming.
It is important to clarify that our research is not carried out for medical purposes. We study the biomechanics and energetic costs of avian flight at the university ' s specialised tilting wind tunnel facility( Figure 3).
Figure 2b. The pigeon after its overgrown beak had been trimmed.
Figure 3. The 20T aerodynamic tilting wind tunnel at Swansea University.
Volume 41( 4) • August 2026
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