Trichomonas spp. in birds and reptiles (Infection with)

This technical card addresses Trichomonas spp. infection in birds and reptiles. The disease is known generally as Trichomoniasis, “frounce” in raptors, and “canker” in doves and pigeons. Avian trichomoniasis is normally caused by Trichomonas gallinae. It has been recently proposed that there are other significant species of the protozoan, including Trichomonas stableri found in Pacific coast band-tailed pigeons (Patagioenas fasciata monilis) and Trichomonas gypaetinii in raptors. Both of these species share a genetic similarity with Trichomonas vaginalis, which normally infects humans. In both captive and wild reptiles, Trichomonas spp. are considered to be part of the normal flora and can be found in faeces.