Pigeon rearing is comparatively easy and profitable when compared to rearing of otherexotic birds such as canaries and parrots. As the bird population is on the rise, there is a steadyupsurge in the occurrence of diseases too. Parasitic infestation among pigeons can be mild tofatal and thus a major cause of concern. A study was conducted to find out the occurrence ofgastrointestinal parasites among pigeons in Kerala. Out of 91 pigeons tested, 79were foundpositive for ova of gastrointestinal parasites with a prevalence of 86.8 per cent.Ascaridia spp.(59.3per cent) and Capillaria spp.(19.7 per cent) were the most common nematodes observed.Oocysts of Eimeria spp. was observed in 39.5 per cent of pigeons screened. Mixed infections were also noticed in 35.1 per cent of birds. This study depicts a very high occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites among pigeons of Kerala which in turn requires intervening measures to reduce the incidence.

Hepatitis in dogs could be due to infectious, toxic or metabolic causes. Among infectious causes, leptospira, canine adenovirus (CAV 1) and babesia are responsible at varying levels, depending on the local geo-climatic conditions. This study, conducted on 40 dogs with clinical signs of hepatitis in Thrissur, Kerala, revealed occurrence of 2.5 per cent (1/40) for CAV 1, 20 per cent (8/40) for leptospirosis and 22.5 per cent (9/40) for babesiosis. The aetiologies were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the E3 gene for CAV 1, microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for leptospirosis and peripheral blood smear examination for babesiosis. Haematological profile of CAV 1 infected animals revealed thrombocytopaenia, lymphopaenia, monocytopaenia and granulocytosis. Serum biochemical analysis divulged elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin and creatinine, with decreased total protein and albumin. Significant decrease in volume of packed red cells (VPRC), haemoglobin (Hb) and total erythrocyte count (TEC), with significant increase in total leukocyte count (TLC) were evident in dogs positive for leptospirosis. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant increase in ALP, AST and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and significant decrease in total protein. Severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia with mild leucocytosis and significant increase in ALP and total bilirubin, with hypoproteinemia were noticed in animals with babesiosis.