There is a small black fly that lives in the pigeon's feathers. This fly is very dangerous because not only does it carry disease but it drinks the bird's blood. When crushed between the fingers, the fly bursts and appears to be full of blood. The pigeon's strength is sapped if an infestation of these flies occur. The young birds seem to be affected more than the old birds. The "Fly Season" is from September to November. When the youngsters are flying the long races (300 miles) and futurity races, they cannot perform at top capacity if infected with flies. Although there is no known deterrent to these insects, the three-week strip changing program usually keeps them under control. When the cold weather arrives, almost all of the flies disappear.
Taken from Rotondo Racing Pigeons
1980
A Classic book