Trichomoniasis in birds is caused by the flagellated protozoan Trichomonas spp. In pigeons, it causes a condition known as ''canker''. The causative agent is Trichomonas gallinae.
The trichomoniasis is a one of the major protozoal diseases of pigeons and other members of the columbiformes family like doves etc. Common signs include diarrhea, anorexia, ruffled feathers and listlessness. A severe weight loss is one of the characteristic sign accompanied by appearance of cheesy mass in the buccal cavity.
On microscopic examination flagellated protozoan confirm the diagnosis. The transmission is either from parents to the offsprings while feeding or from the drinkers and feeders in colony keeping systems. Sometimes raptors and other birds of prey feeding on pigeons may get infection, after eating the infected prey. Trichomoniasis can occur at any time of the year, in the young squabs so a serious problem to the squab industry.
The prevalence of trichomoniasis can range upto 80% however in the present study it was found to be 19% in total.
In the present study included analysis of Trichomonas gallinae prevalence in pigeons. To evaluate this 125 pigeons were collected from various lofts and pet shops in district Lahore and were examined macroscopically for gross signs and microscopically for parasite prevalence. Prevalence was found to be highest in summer season , and in female pigeons. However certain breeds were found to be relatively more susceptible, than others.
The metronidazole was 100% effective in naturally infected pigeons with Trichomonas gallinae when it is given orally in a dose of 100 mg / pigeon for seven days (Abd El-Motelib and Galal, 1993 and Aydin et al, 2000), and 1gm / liter for five successive days (Shihata, 1978)

For comparing various therapeutic agents 4 groups of 10 birds each were used, first three groups A,B & C included naturally infected birds were treated with medicine while 4th group D included 10 birds remained untreated. In the end the efficacy of the two therapeutic drugs Metronidazole, Secindazole and one herbal agent Garlic was evaluated.
The data of the therapeutic part of the study was analyzed by ANOVA, the treatment groups were divided into 4 groups in which the pigeon were randomly placed.
Pretreatment (0 day) the buccal mucosa were analyzed and Post-treatment twice analysis were performed at 4 days and at 7 days data was analyzed using ANOVA.
Group A was Given Metronidazole at the dose rate of 100mg / day for seven days and showed the 100% recovery among the pigeons at day 4.
Group B was given Secindazole at a dose rate of 50mg single dose at day 01 only and showed 60% of the recovery at 4th day and 100% of bird recovery at 7th day.
Group C was given garlic extract approximately 200 mg / day for seven days and showed 50% of the recovery at 4th day and 70% of bird recovery at 7th day.
Group D was control thought out the study period.
Among all therapeutic groups the group A was the most significant p> 0.05(0.00a) than group B, C & D. group B is significant p< 0.05(0.16b) than group C & D, Group c is significant P<0.05(0.15b) than group D.