Parasites of pigeons (Columba livia) in urban areas of lages, Southern Brazil

Abstract

The prevalence of ectoparasites and endoparasites was studied in 58 free-living pigeons (Columba livia) in urban areas of Lages, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The pigeons were visually inspected and fecal and blood samples were collected to determine the presence of ectoparasites. The serological diagnosis was established through the use of blood smears stained with Quick Panoptic and Giemsa methods. The fecal samples were analyzed using Sheather's method. The Quick Panoptic and Giemsa methods detected 67.24% (39/58) and 46.55% (27/58) of Haemoproteus sp, respectively. The prevalence rate amounted to 57% of 116 smears analyzed (P value=0.0387; odds ratio = 2.357 with a 95% confidence interval). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 74.14% (43/58). Protozoa (100% for Eimeria sp.) were detected in 86.05% of the cases and nematodes (Ascaridia sp. and Capillaria sp.) in 32.56%, whereas 20.93% of the pigeons were infected by multiple parasites. The fly Pseudolynchia canariensis was found beneath the feathers of all pigeons. This is the first report of parasites in C. livia in the state of Santa Catarina.

Attributable risk of Capillaria species in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica)

“…Pigeons are related to ancient times and are considered to be cosmopolitan (sari et al, 2008) and pigeons of the columbiforme order are thought to be found in every town and city around the world (Marques et al, 2007). The poultry industry is facing various parasitic diseases of economic importance (Anwar et al, 2000).…”

“…Pigeons are cheap and readily available, which makes them ideal for laboratory and research in Pakistan. Pigeons have close association with other domestic birds, which increases the risk of parasitism and zoonotic disease in human beings (Cooper 1984;Kaninjolo et al, 1988;Piasecki, 2006;Marques et al, 2007;sari et al, 2008). The importance of pigeons can't be ignored because pigeons act as reservoir hosts or carriers and an important source for the infection in birds (Kumar, 1998).…”

“…The diseases are usually spread by dust particles present on the feces from the cages that have been contaminated with the droppings and urine (Marques et al, 2007). Blood and fecal samples of the pigeons are used to approach the pathological and physiological status of exposed animals to the pathogenic organism (Joshi et al, 2002).…”

Occurrence of gastrointestinal and renal helminths inZenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847) trap-captured from Brazil

“…Of the numerous health problems that can affect pigeons, parasite infections may be the most important (MARQUES et al, 2007). Little is known of the species of gastrointestinal parasites that infect these birds (MARQUES et al, 2007).…”

“…Little is known of the species of gastrointestinal parasites that infect these birds (MARQUES et al, 2007).…”