What is the most common cause of frounce in raptors?

Frounce, also known as trichomoniasis, is a disease that primarily affects birds of prey, and its most common cause is the ingestion of infected pigeons and doves. These birds are natural hosts for the protozoan parasite responsible for the disease. When raptors consume these infected prey, they can become infected themselves, leading to health issues characterized by the development of yellowish lesions in the throat and mouth, making feeding difficult.

Since pigeons and doves are often abundant in various environments and serve as common prey for many raptors, the likelihood of raptors contracting frounce from these sources is significantly higher compared to other potential causes. While insects, rodents, and fish can be associated with other diseases in raptors or may sometimes carry parasites, they are not the primary source of the pathogen that causes frounce. Understanding the specific hosts of the disease is essential for managing raptor health in falconry and wildlife rehabilitation contexts.