INVESTIGATION OF PARASITES OF PIGEONS IN SYLHET METROPOLITAN

Abstract

A study was performed to investigate the prevalence of parasitic infestations among domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Sylhet Metropolitan Areas from February 2014 to October 2014. A total of 200 pigeons were examined (100 adults and 100 squabs) to detect the presence of different species of parasites. The study recorded six different parasite species. These included: 3 species of ecto-parasites, Pseudolynchia canariensis, Columbicola columbae, Menopon gallinae; one species of nematode, Ascaradia galli, one species of cestode Raillietina sp, and one species of blood protozoa; Haemoproteus columbae. However, no species of trematode were recorded. Among three different species of ectoparasites, the highest infestation was caused by Columbicola columbae (56%), compared to Menopon gallinae (42%) and Pseudolynchia canariensis (8%). Furthermore, adult pigeons (90%) were found more susceptible to ectoparasitic infestation than squabs (56%). Out of 200 pigeons examined, 146 pigeons were found to be infested with ectoparasites (73%), 108 with gastrointestinal parasites (54%) and 16 were blood protozoa (8%). In addition, association between occurrence of different parasites revealed that adults were more susceptible to all kinds of parasites than squabs except Ascaridia galli. In case of Ascaridia galli, young pigeons were more susceptible than adult birds which was not statistically significant (p>0.05). This study recorded only one type of blood protozoa namely Haemoproteus columbae (8%). However, these findings revealed that the age of birds and sanitation is an important factor for presence of parasites. In conclusion, this study gave an overall idea about the presence of pigeon parasites in Sylhet Metropolitan Areas. Further studies are recommended in assessing the effects of parasites on pigeons, the economic loss due to parasitic infestations which in turn will help to take essential steps to control of such parasites.