Need info on Pigeon Preen Gland

[Guest]

The pigeon's preen gland - the uropygial gland - secretes an oily substance that the pigeon spreads over its feathers. Some writers 'hint' that this oil also has antibacterial or anti microbial function.

 

I need information and its source to confirm or deny this. It is needed in connection with the allegation that racing pigeons could carry avian influenza virus on their feathers racing from the continent into the British Isles.

 

My 'research' so far has drawn a blank because the references used in the bits and pieces that I have turned up are all books which are EITHER out of print, or need a mortgage to buy one of the very few copies still available e.g. No1 costs £173.

 

These are:-

 

(1) Birds, their structure & function. Authors : King & McLelland 1984

 

(2) Avian anatomy integument. Authors : Lucas & Stettenheim 1972

 

(3) Chemistry, Molecular Biology and ? , function of natural waxes. Author: Hamilton R J, 1995.

 

 

So has anyone access to these or any other work on the pigeon preen gland (uropygial gland) that they can copy, post up, or email? Have a look too at the pigeon books written by pigeon vets and see if there's ANYTHING on antimicrobial actions, or what the oil contains. Please also give the source as DEFRA are unlikely to accept anything without the reference work.

 

I have one book in the post from Amazon 'morphological atlas of the avian uropygial gland' ,  but without precis of contents, don't know if it well help.

 

 

 

Second question in this concerns the Pekin Duck (what the f* has that got to do with pigeons I hear you ask) does anyone own or know someone who owns, or has seen work on this bird? I think I read somewhere that this bird does NOT have a preen gland. Can anyone state categorically whether the Pekin Duck has or hasn't a uropygial gland?????

 

Thanks

 

 

[Guest beautyhomer]

bruno,would have thought that the Pekin duck needs a preen gland.As with all waterfowl they would need to oil their feathers to stop them becoming waterlogged.If they could not do this they could not swim. :-/

[jimmy_bulger]

hi bruno.

how long have you had the birds mate.

(you should know better).

if your birds healthy and happy why look for problems.

jimmy.