A retrospective study on the health problems of falcons in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Background: Falcons are important animals in sociocultural events of the society of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Like any other birds, falcons can be affected by different health problems. This study was conducted to investigate the major health problems of falcons presented to the City Vet Clinic in Al Ain during 2019. Methods: Data were extracted from the records of 906 falcons presented to City Vet Clinic in 2019. Data extraction was made on the diagnostic methods used, diagnosed health problems and the type of treatment/ veterinary services given to falcons. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results: The overall incidence rate of health problems detected in falcons presented to City Vet Clinic in 2019 was 26.5% (95% confidence interval, CI, 23.6-29.5%). The most incident health problems were ingluvitis (inflammation of crop), aspergillosis and bacterial enteritis with incidence rates of 8.1% (95%CI: 6.4–10.0%), 5.8% (95%CI: 4.4-7.6%) and 2.4% (95%CI: 1.5-3.7%), respectively. The relationship between the number of cases of falcon and months was polynomial with a regression (R2) of 42% indicating that only 42% of the variation in the number cases could be explained by monthly variation. The three main medical treatments given for the diagnosed health problems included antibiotics, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic with frequencies of 46.3% (95%CI: 39.8-52.8%), 21.7% (95%CI: 16.6-27.4%) and 12.0% (95%CI: 8.2-16.9%), respectively. Conclusion: The major health problems of falcons were ingluvitis, aspergillosis and bacterial enteritis. Infections that occur in falcons can also be transmitted to owners. Therefore, regular check-up and control of diseases of falcons is recommended.