Negative effects of antibiotic application

When asked why they use antibiotics regularly, most breeders will answer without hesitation that it is “to keep pigeons healthy”. They think that only strong drugs are effective and can bring about quick improvement. It is a common opinion that natural methods, such as those involving herbs or vegetables, may be good but when the flying season comes you need effective and well-tested remedies. Such opinions are usually a result of the lack of knowledge that too frequent or incorrectly performed antibiotic treatments bring more damage than benefits. However, even more aware breeders may be heard saying: “well, this is what the sport is like..."

 

MISTAKES IN ANTIBIOTIC APPLICATION


1. “Blind” therapy – breeders give antibiotics to birds without any previous examinations. The drug selection is not based on an antibiogram; it is not even certain if the drug use is necessary.


2. “Preventive” treatment – Giving drugs “just in case”. This includes regular one- or two-day therapies during the flying season and giving birds drugs to treat all possible disease before the season, even though they do not show any symptoms of illness.


3. Ill-suited doses and treatment duration – If antibiotic treatment is too short, infection is not fully cured and antibiotic resistance develops in the bacteria. A similar effect is caused by too low doses of an antibiotic. On the other hand, too high a dose will be toxic and may lead to poisoning of the pigeon’s organism.


4. Too frequent antibiotic therapies – this sterilises a pigeon’s organism and decreases its natural immunity. One should bear in mind that not all bacteria are pathogens. There are a lot of saprophytes, which naturally inhabit the body. Their presence is beneficial and they prevent pathogens from growth and development. Antibiotics destroy such beneficial bacteria and increase pigeons’ susceptibility to later infections. Moreover, frequently administered, antibiotics damage the liver because that is where drugs are decomposed in the bird’s organism.

 

HOW CAN YOU ALLEVIATE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTIC ACTION?


1. First of all, remember to settle natural, beneficial bacteria in the pigeons’ bodies by giving them probiotics. This will reduce the risk of sterilisation and will improve the natural immunity of the birds. Also, birds should be given substances which boost the development of beneficial bacteria – acidifiers, prebiotics and herbal preparations (see 4-ACIDS and MICRO Stop ).


2. Look after the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract because here antibiotics weaken the natural barriers. An appropriate preparation can be used for the purpose (e.g. INHALIC).


3. Do not forget about the liver when giving antibiotics to birds. Chemical therapy must always be combined with giving regenerative and liver-stimulating drugs (see NEFRIC, HEPATIC).


4. Apply a thorough cleansing treatment after intensive therapy.


5. Stimulate the natural immunity of the birds by giving them immunostimulants (VITAL Immuno).



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