How do falcons most commonly contract Trichomonas?

Falcons most commonly contract Trichomonas, particularly Trichomonas gallinae, which is a protozoan parasite prevalent in birds. The primary route of transmission for falcons is through ingesting infected prey, particularly pigeons, which serve as common hosts for this parasite. When falcons hunt and consume these infected birds, they can become infected themselves, making pigeons a significant vector in the spread of Trichomonas among avian species.

Contaminated water sources and direct contact with infected surfaces are less significant pathways for transmission in falcons compared to the ingestion of infected prey. While transmission can occur under certain circumstances from other birds, the direct consumption of infected pigeons remains the most prevalent method. Thus, recognizing the relationship between prey species and the transmission of parasites is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of Trichomonas in these raptors.