Endoparasites in Domestic Pigeons

Bird · Columba livia domestica · typical adult weight 0.30–0.50 kg

5 cited drugs treat Endoparasites in domestic pigeons: Febantel, Ivermectin, Levamisole, Mebendazole, Piperazine.

Gastrointestinal helminth and protozoal infections. Macrocyclic lactones, benzimidazoles, and pyrantel cover the bulk of nematode treatment; protozoal indications require dedicated drugs (metronidazole, sulfadimethoxine).

The overview above describes Endoparasites across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to domestic pigeons — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Febantel(Rintal)

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	30 mg/kg	once	Ascarids (repeat doses required for Capillaria obsignata)	Moderate	38. Baert L, Van Poucke S, Vermeersch H, et al. Pharmacokinetics and anthelmintic efficacy of febantel in the racing pigeon (Columba livia). J Vet Pharmacol Therap. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.433 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1111/j.1365-2885.1993.tb00167.x

Full Febantel dosing in Domestic Pigeons →Calculate for this domestic pigeon →

Ivermectin(Ivomec, Heartgard)

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO, SC, IM	0.2 mg/kg	once; can repeat in 10-14 days	Nematodes, acanthocephalans, ectoparasites (Knemidokoptes, Dermanyssus)	Moderate	378. Harlin RW. Pigeon therapeutics. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2000;3:19-34. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Full Ivermectin dosing in Domestic Pigeons →Calculate for this domestic pigeon →

Levamisole(Levasole, Tramisol)

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	20 mg/kg	once	Capillaria, intestinal strongyles, ascarids	Weak	43. Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.436 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Full Levamisole dosing in Domestic Pigeons →Calculate for this domestic pigeon →

Mebendazole

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	5–6 mg/kg	q24h x 3-5 days, repeat in 21d	Nematodes	Moderate	391. Hawkins MG, Barron H, Speer BL, et al. Birds. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO; 2013:183-437. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.436 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Full Mebendazole dosing in Domestic Pigeons →Calculate for this domestic pigeon →

Piperazine(Pipa-Tabs, Sergeants Worm Away)

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	35 mg/kg	q24h x 2 days	Ascarids	Moderate	391. Hawkins MG, Barron H, Speer BL, et al. Birds. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO; 2013:183-437. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.439 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Full Piperazine dosing in Domestic Pigeons →Calculate for this domestic pigeon →

All drugs cited for Endoparasites →All drugs for Domestic Pigeons →

Other conditions in Domestic Pigeons

Bacterial Infections Sedation Coccidiosis

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.