Infection of white carneaux pigeons (Columbia livia) with Mycobacterium avium.

Abstract

Avian tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium, occurred in three White Carneaux pigeons. Clinical signs varied and included anorexia, lameness, torticollis, and the development of cutaneous nodules. Lesions at necropsy consisted of caseating hepatic, pulmonary, and cutaneous granulomas. In one animal, the marrow in several bones was replaced with caseous material. Histopathologically, the granulomas contained necrotic material and acid fast bacilli surrounded by epitheloid cells, giant cells, and lymphocytes. Treatment of affected animals was not attempted. False positive and false negative reactions occurred when intradermal tuberculin skin testing was done.