A Trich-Positive Barn Owl

woman tube feeding western barn owl Western barn owl receiving treatmentThe following story about a barn owl was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

This adult Western barn owl (Tyto alba) was admitted to our hospital and an examination revealed that the owl was suffering from trichomoniasis (trich).

Trich is a protozoal disease that raptors contract from predating on infected pigeons or doves. The trichomoniasis parasite usually affects the mouth and throat and can lead to the formation of plugs of dead and infected tissue. These plugs can cause large obstructions in the esophagus, making it almost impossible for these birds to eat or drink.

look down Western barn owl's mouth after treatment look down mouth of Western barn owl with trichBy the time these owls reach rehab, they are often very weak, dehydrated, and in a critical condition. Flies lay eggs in the decaying flesh, and often maggots need to be cleared out from eyes, ears, and nasal passages!

This owl was placed on a drip, and started on a course of the correct antibiotics. He responded well to expert supportive care, including EmerAid IC Carnivore, and made a complete recovery.

face of Western barn owl before treatment for trich face of Western barn owl after treatment for trich and feeling better Now that he is healthy again, he was ringed by a registered SAFRING bird ringer, and with the help of EcoSolutions Urban Ecology, he has now been released.