Authors : Mohammad Hossein Radfar, Saeid Fathi, Ehsan Norouzi Asl, Mohammad Mirzaei Dehaghi and Hadi Rezaei Seghinsara
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, intensity and species of internal and external parasites in pigeons in Birjand, South Khorasan from October 2008 to September 2009. The samples were taken from 102 pigeons (44 nestlings and 58 adults). Total 5 species of nematodes and cestodes were collected from alimentary canals. Ascaridia colombae (16.66%), Hadjelia truncata (1.96%), Cotugnia digonopora (13.79%), Raillietina magninumida (18.62%), Raillietina achinobothridia (32.35%). Faecal samples were collected and examined through the centrifugal flotation method using Sheather’s saturated sugar solution for diagnosis of Eimeria sp. Eimeria sp. identified in 40.19% of pigeons. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in 2.94%. About 2 blood smears taken from each bird were stained with Geimsa. Giemsa methods detected 47/05% of Haemoproteus cloumbae. The infestation rate with Trichomonans gallinae was 57.84%. Total 4 species of ectoparasites were collected from feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows: feathers: Pseudolynchia canariensis (63.72%), Columbicola columbae (79.41%), Menopen galline (44.11%). subcutaneous nodules: Laminosioptes cysticola (1.96%). From the parasitic fauna seen in this study, it is imperative to institute an integrated parasitic control through constant changing of litter, regular use of antihelminthics, anticoccidials and dusting of birds with pesticides.
Mohammad Hossein Radfar, Saeid Fathi, Ehsan Norouzi Asl, Mohammad Mirzaei Dehaghi and Hadi Rezaei Seghinsara, 2011. A Survey of Parasites of Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in South Khorasan, Iran. Veterinary Research, 4: 18-23.