Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
A Method for Investigating Change Blindness in Pigeons Columba Livia
Published on: September 7, 2018
Pigeon circovirus infection in disqualified racing pigeons from Taiwan
Yen-Li Huang1, Omir Adrian Castaneda2, Duangsuda Thongchan1
1a Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine , National Pingtung University of Science and Technology , Pingtung , Taiwan (ROC).
Abstract:
Pigeons (Columba livia) infected with pigeon circovirus (PiCV) have been reported worldwide. The present study diagnosed PiCV infection in tissue samples of disqualified racing pigeons in Taiwan, using molecular and microscopy diagnostics. Among the 164 dead pigeons examined, 96.95% (159/164) tested positive for PiCV. Severe histopathological lesions, with characteristic inclusions, were observed in various organs of the PiCV-infected pigeons. Multiglobular basophilic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were found in the bursa of Fabricius and non-lymphoid tissues. The present study identified, for the first time, the presence of inclusion bodies in the thyroid gland, oesophagus, gizzard, and in the third eyelid of circovirus-infected pigeons. The presence of inclusion bodies in the third eyelid and mucosa of the gizzard was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. A high detection rate of PiCV and some severe lesions evident in disqualified racing pigeons, as well as PiCV sequences in this study were highly similar with those detected in European countries suggesting an epidemiological association possibly due to imported pigeons.
Insights
Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) infection is widespread in racing pigeons, with 97% of Taiwanese samples positive. The study found characteristic PiCV inclusion bodies in new organs, suggesting European origins for the virus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Avian Diseases
Background:
- Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is a known pathogen affecting pigeons globally.
- Previous reports confirm PiCV presence, but detailed pathological findings in racing pigeons are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose PiCV infection in disqualified racing pigeons in Taiwan.
- To characterize the histopathological lesions and identify the location of inclusion bodies associated with PiCV infection.
- To investigate potential epidemiological links of PiCV in Taiwan.
Main Methods:
- Molecular diagnostics (PCR) for PiCV detection in tissue samples.
- Histopathological examination of affected organs.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural confirmation of inclusion bodies.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of PiCV infection was detected, with 96.95% of examined racing pigeons testing positive.
- Severe histopathological lesions and characteristic basophilic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were observed in multiple organs.
- Inclusion bodies were identified for the first time in the thyroid gland, oesophagus, gizzard, and third eyelid of PiCV-infected pigeons.
- TEM confirmed inclusion bodies in the third eyelid and gizzard mucosa.
Conclusions:
- PiCV infection is highly prevalent in disqualified racing pigeons in Taiwan.
- The identification of inclusion bodies in novel locations provides new insights into PiCV pathogenesis.
- Genetic similarity of Taiwanese PiCV strains to European strains suggests a possible epidemiological link through imported pigeons.
