In my opinion it is interesting to consider the hypothesis of resistance in pigeons.

In the case of young pigeon disease, we know that the circovirus mainly attacks the immune organs such as the Fabricius Bursa and the thymus.

THYMUS:
For a long time it has been thought that the thymus is an (almost) useless organ. Only since experimentation with removing the thymus from animals (thymectomy) has one gotten an idea of ​​the function of the thymus. The thymus gland is one of the most important organs in our immune system. An important part of the lymphocytes, the so-called “T lymphocytes” (T of Thymus), become “mature”. In addition, the thymus also plays an essential role in the production of “memory cells” that remember the recipe for how to make the antibodies against previous diseases.

When the thymus is removed from young animals, these animals subsequently develop the following symptoms:

-weight loss
-too slow growth
-hair loss
-general deterioration in health
-many infections, especially as a result of intracellular microorganisms
-reduced rejection of grafts, if any

These symptoms do not occur when the thymectomy is performed in older animals. The symptoms can be prevented or reversed by placing a piece of thymic tissue back into the body after the thymectomy.

These and other observations obtained during these experiments have led to the formulation of the following thymic functions:

-The thymus allows the development of lymphocytes into T lymphocytes, which are sensitive to a particular antigen.
-The thymus ensures the elimination of T lymphocytes that fit on the body’s own epitopes (= auto-reactive clones)
-The thymus produces hormones (including thymosin) that stimulate growth and the immune system.

Breeding racing pigeons with a ‘strong thymus’
Breeding racing pigeons with a ‘strong thymus’ can, as some fanciers think, be the solution for young pigeon diseases.

Postpone weaning of young pigeons
But maybe there is something else that can help? Namely, in humans, we see that the thymus is highly developed in children, but shrivels after puberty. In young children who are exclusively breastfed, the thymus is no less than twice the size of children who are formula fed.

Perhaps it is better to postpone the weaning of young pigeons for as long as possible? Who knows more about this?

FABRICIUS BURSA
The Fabricius Bursa is an organ that is important in birds for the production of B lymphocytes.

There are several B cells with antigen receptors and antigen molecules.
B cells are lymphocytes that play an important role in the humoral immune system.

The letter B stands for the Bursa of Fabricius, an organ found exclusively in birds and in which B cells mature.

The B therefore does not represent bone marrow, in which all other vertebrates produce B cells.

Another organ also related to B cell maturation is the spleen.

Massage the Fabricius Bursa area
The massaging of the area around the Fabricius Bursa in carrier pigeons, which can be found on the end of the back just above the tail, can sometimes be a preventing treatment.

Especially older experienced pigeon fanciers can tell you about it.

This daily massage is intended to prevent diseases