A falconer should be cautious of feeding what kind of meat due to potential diseases?

Feeding pigeon meat to a hawk or falcon can pose health risks due to the potential for various diseases that pigeons can carry. Pigeons are known to be vectors for several pathogens, such as paramyxovirus, avian influenza, and various parasites. These diseases can be transmitted through direct consumption, putting a bird of prey at risk of infection.

Falconers often rely on a diverse diet for their birds, which includes properly sourced and handled meats from safer sources, minimizing the chance of disease transmission. Proper care must also be taken to ensure that any meat offered is free from contaminants or parasites that could harm the bird. While meats like game birds and chicken can also have concerns, they are generally less associated with the direct transmission of diseases compared to pigeons, particularly in a falconry context where sourcing and handling practices are well understood.