Confirmation of avian trichomonosis among wild birds in Ireland

Abstract Trichomonas gallinae is the causative protozoan parasite of avian trichomonosis, an infectious disease wild bird species. Since outbreak in UK 2005, trichomonosis has resulted mass mortality events greenfinch ( Chloris chloris ) and chaffinch Fringillia coelebs populations. Given its proximity to UK, it important monitor emergence T. Ireland. This study proposed sample greenfinch, goldfinch Carduelis carduelis feral pigeon Columba livia domestica Ireland with aim culturing isolating gallinae. The oral cavity birds was sampled oropharyngeal swab, which then inoculated into Biomed InPouch™ TF test kits. infection diagnosed 9 60 (6 3 pigeon), giving a total prevalence rate 15% providing evidence that present among, but may not be limited to, populations It also first laboratory-based diagnosis from live, free-living our knowledge. possible contributing recent decline Additionally, presence yeast cells some positive samples did appear impede trichomonad growth, suggest potential symbiotic relationship between