Parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana

The following parasites were found in apparently healthy pigeons kept in Sebele: a haemoprotozoan, Haemoproteus columbae (80%); endoparasite metazoan nematodes, Ascaridia columbae (30%) and Dispharynx spiralis (10%); a cestode, Raillietina sp. (80%) and coccidian oocysts (40%); 2 ectoparasites, namely the pigeon fly, Pseudolynchia canariensis (50%) and the louse, Columbicola columbae (30%). The pigeons also had highantibody titres, (1:256) to the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (100%). The latter infection in these domestic pigeons has public health implications.     

Effect of age, sex and season on the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) from Bursa Province, Turkey

The one-year study reported in this paper was carried out from April 2002 to March 2003 in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) of Bursa Province (Turkey) to determine the occurrence of helminth species and to evaluate the effect of host age, sex and season on their prevalence and intensity. A total of 100 (31 young and 69 adult) domestic pigeons were necropsied and examined. The results of necropsies revealed that 74 pigeons harboured helminth infections. Three helminth species were identified: Baruscapillaria obsignata (63%), Ascaridia columbae (42%) and Raillietina echinobothrida (1%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of B. obsignata and A. columbae by host age and sex. Significantly the highest prevalence rate of A. columbae was observed in the autumn months, but there was no significant difference in the seasonal prevalence of B. obsignata. The mean intensity of B. obsignata and A. columbae was higher in adults than in young pigeons but it did not differ significantly between the two sexes. The highest mean intensity rate of B. obsignata was observed in the autumn, while there was no significant difference for A. columbae with regard to season. From the data obtained in this study it can be concluded that in regions with similar climatic conditions as those in the present study area, pigeon breeders should be cautioned especially of B. obsignata and A. columbae infections of adult pigeons in the autumn months.     

Haemoproteus columbae in domestic pigeons in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana.

Mature and immature stages of Haemoproteus columbae gametocytes, an avian haemosporidian protozoan parasite were found in 75% of blood smears prepared from 30 healthy domestic pigeons in Sebele location, Gaborone, Botswana. Parenteral administration of an immuno-suppressive dose of dexamethasone, lowered the level of parasitaemia, the packed cell volume and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio in the test pigeons. However, both the dexamethasone-treated and the control pigeons remained clinically normal.     

Occurrence of parasitic invasions in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the Northern Poland

Considering the dynamic development of domestic pigeons breeding in Poland, working out preventive programs for this species of birds becomes necessary. Preventive programs should be elaborated based on epizootic situation in a particular area and should be adapted to it. The aim of the present study was to evaluate of the occurrence of parasitic invasions in domestic pigeons in the Northern Poland. In years 2005/2006, 55 lofts of carrier pigeons and 11 lofts of fancy pigeons were examined. One hundred and three individual dropping samples collected during pigeon exhibitions were also investigated. The study revealed that 56.4% of carrier pigeons lofts and 90.9% of fancy pigeons lofts were infected by coccidia. Ascaridia (A.) columbae was found in 5.5% lofts of carrier and 15.5% of fancy pigeons on the exhibitions. Eggs of Capillaria (C.) obsignata were found in 3.6% carrier pigeons and in 36.4% fancy pigeons lofts. Trichomonas columbae were observed in 61.8% of carrier pigeons and in 100% of fancy pigeons lofts.     

上海市鸽球虫感染情况初步调查与种类鉴定

为了调查上海市鸽球虫的感染情况和种类,分别采集奉贤区肉鸽场和信鸽场的110份和44份粪便,以及南汇区肉鸽场的100份粪样,采用麦氏虫卵计数法对粪便球虫卵囊进行计数,收集阳性粪便中的卵囊,经孢子化后进行种类鉴定。结果显示,上海市鸽球虫的平均感染率为52.8%(134/254),平均每克粪便卵囊数(oocyst per gram,OPG)为50 159个,为中度感染。肉鸽感染率(55.2%)和平均OPG(52 110个)均高于信鸽(40.9%和37 583个),奉贤肉鸽感染率(60.9%)高于南汇(49.0%),但南汇肉鸽的OPG(88 634个)明显高于奉贤(25 400个)。从肉鸽阳性粪便中鉴定出5种球虫,即拉氏艾美耳球虫(Eimerialabbeana)、鸽艾美耳球虫(E.columbae)、原鸽艾美耳球虫(E.columbarum)、杜氏艾美耳球虫(E.duculai)以及卡氏艾美耳球虫(E.kapotei),拉氏艾美耳球虫为优势种。在信鸽阳性粪便中鉴定出4种球虫,即拉氏艾美耳球虫、杜氏艾美耳球虫、鸽艾美耳球虫以及原鸽艾美耳球虫,原鸽艾美耳球虫为优势种。本次调查表明上海市肉鸽和信鸽的球虫感染率和粪便OPG均偏高,调查结果为及时做好鸽球虫病的防治提供了基础数据。     

Health status of free-living pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the city of Ljubljana

In the year 2000 an epidemiological research was undertaken on the health status of free-living pigeons in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. A total of 139 pigeons were captured and examined for the most common bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. Serum samples, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs as well as samples of droppings and feathers were taken from the captured birds. Antibodies to paramyxovirus type 1 were found in 84.2% of the sera examined, and 23.7% of birds were serologically positive to Chlamydophila psittaci. Antibodies to avian influenza virus were not detected. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 5.7% of the cloacal swabs. Trichomonas gallinae was clinically suspected and then microscopically confirmed using oropharyngeal swabs in 7.9% of examined birds. Eimeria spp. was identified in 71.9%, Capillaria sp. in 26.6% and Ascaridia columbae in 4.3% of droppings samples examined. Of the ectoparasites, Columbicola columbae and Campanulotes bidentatus compar were found.     

Therapeutic effects of some antihaematozoal drugs against Haemoproteus columbae in domestic pigeons

Three antihaematozoal drugs were tested for the treatment of pigeons naturally infected with Haemoproteus columbae. Butalex (Buparvaquone) was found effective against the parasite either by using the recommended dose (R. D.) or the double (D. D.) dosis. The R. D. of Berenil (Diminazene aceturate) was not effective while the D. D. reduced the number of gametocytes circulating in the infected blood. Triquine was found very toxic to the pigeons both the R. D. and the D. D.     

Pharmacokinetics and anthelmintic efficacy of febantel in the racing pigeon (Columba livia)

This paper reports on the pharmacokinetics and the efficacy of febantel against Capillaria obsignata and Ascaridia columbae in the racing pigeon. Febantel was rapidly cleared from the circulation and highly metabolized. The efficacy of febantel against Capillaria and Ascaridia was studied on lightly and heavily infected pigeons. The efficacy against Ascaridia was 100% for the faecal egg count reduction (FECR) as well as for the worm reduction in all treated pigeons. After two treatments with febantel against Capillaria in heavily infected pigeons the FECR amounted to 96.7% and worm reduction was 95%. In order to effectively remove both parasites from the host, repeated treatments with febantel at a short interval could be the treatment of choice.     

High prevalence of Sarcocystis calchasi sporocysts in European Accipiter hawks

The emerging Sarcocystis calchasi induces a severe and lethal central nervous disease in its intermediate host, the domestic pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica). Experimental studies have identified the Northern goshawk (Accipiter g. gentilis) as final host. Phylogenetically closely related European sparrowhawks (Accipiter n. nisus) and wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) have been found to harbor genetically closely related Sarcocystis spp. However, data on the prevalence and potential interspecies occurrence of these parasites are lacking. Here, we report that European Accipiter hawks (Accipitrinae) are highly infected with S. calchasi, S. columbae and Sarcocystis sp. ex A. nisus in their small intestine. Thirty-one of 50 (62%) Northern goshawks necropsied during 1997-2008 were positive for S. calchasi in a newly established species-specific semi-nested PCR assay based on the first internal transcribed spacer region. Unexpectedly, 14 of 20 (71.4%) European sparrowhawks tested also positive. In addition, birds of both species were found to be infested with S. columbae and an, as yet, unnamed Sarcocystis sp. recently isolated from European sparrowhawks. These findings raise new questions about the host specificity of S. calchasi and its high virulence in domestic pigeons, since sparrowhawks only rarely prey on pigeons. Notably, isolated sporocysts from both infected Accipiter spp. measured 8 μm × 11.9 μm, precluding a preliminary identification of S. calchasi in feces of Accipiter hawks based on morphology alone. Importantly, three of four Northern goshawks used in falconry tested positive for S. calchasi. In conclusion, the results indicate that both European Accipter spp. in Germany serve as natural final hosts of S. calchasi and suggest that falconry and pigeon sport may serve as risk factors for the spread of this pathogen in domestic pigeons.     

禽鸟羽虱调查报告

在浙江省畜禽寄生虫调查中，从鸽、雉、野鸭羽毛上发现9种禽鸟羽虱，其中长尾雉长羽虱、鹅小耳虱为2种新种；黑水鸡胸首羽虱、鸽圆羽虱为2种国内新记录。其他为鸽羽虱、鸽新胸首羽虱、二齿姬圆虱、鸡圆羽虱、鸡长圆虱；对虫体形态进行了研究和描述。     

Biodiversity and prevalence of parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in a selected semiarid zone of South Khorasan, Iran

Five species of nematodes and cestodes were collected from alimentary canals of pigeons: the nematodes were two species: Ascaridia colombae (16.66%) and Hadjelia truncata (1.96%), while the cestodes were Cotugnia digonopora (13.79%), Raillietina magninumida (18.62%) and Raillietina achinobothridia (32.35%); fecal examination revealed: Eimeria spp. (40.19%) and Cryptosporidium oocysts (2.94%); and blood smears showed: Haemoproteus cloumbae (47/05%); in mouth, throat and larynx: Trichomonans gallinae (57.84%); four species of ectoparasites were collected from feathers and subcutaneous nodules as follows: feathers: Pseudolynchia canariensis (63.72%), Columbicola columbae (79.41%), Menopen gallinea (44.11%); subcutaneous nodules: Laminosioptes cysticola (1.96%). From the parasitic fauna identified 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.     

Helminth parasites of indigenous chickens in Oodi, Kgatleng District, Botswana

Thirteen adult indigenous chickens from Oodi, Kgatleng district, Botswana, were examined for helminth parasites. Two species of nematodes, Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, and species of the cestode genus Raillietina, were recovered. A. galli and H. gallinarum were the most commonly seen parasites. The nematode A. galli occurred concurrently with Raillietina spp.     

Helminths of guineafowls in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Between July 2005 and November 2006 the gastro-intestinal helminths of 15 Helmeted guineafowls and a single Crested guineafowl from Musina, Limpopo Province were examined, and in July and August 2005 helminths were collected from five Helmeted guineafowls from Mokopane in the same province. The acanthocephalan Mediorhynchus gallinarum, the cestodes Abuladzugnia gutterae, Davainea nana, Hymenolepis cantaniana, Numidella numida, Octopetalum numida, Ortleppolepis multiuncinata, Porogynia paronai, Raillietina angusta, Raillietina pintneri, Raillietina steinhardti and Raillietina sp. and the nematodes Ascaridia numidae, Cyrnea parroti, Gongylonema congolense, Hadjelia truncata, Sicarius caudatus, Subulura dentigera, Subulura suctoria, Subulura sp., Tetrameres numida and an unidentified subulurid were recovered. A single trematode species, Dicrocoelium macrostomum, was present in the liver. Mediorhynchus gallinarum, A. gutterae, O. multiuncinata, H. truncata and S. caudatus are recorded for the first time from Helmeted guineafowls, as well as from South Africa. South Africa is a new geographic record for D. macrostomum, G. congolense and D. nana. Subulura suctoria, G. congolense and H. truncata from the Crested guineafowl constitute new host-parasite associations.     

Cross-sectional survey on helminth infections of chickens in the Samsun region, Turkey

A cross-sectional survey was performed to determine the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections in 185 chickens from nine districts in the Samsun region, northern Turkey between July 1999 and June 2000. In total, 88% of 83 scavenging chickens and 4% of 52 layers from laying batteries were infected, but none of the 50 broilers harboured helminths in the alimentary tract or trachea. The difference in prevalence was statistically significant among broilers, layers from laying batteries and scavenging chickens. A total of 16 different species were detected. The helminth species found were: Davainea proglottina (23%), Raillietina echinobothrida (13%), Raillietina cesticillus (12%), Hymenolepis carioca (10%), Raillietina tetragona (6%), Choanotaenia. infundibulum (2%), Amoebotaenia cuneata (2%), Echinoparyhium recurvatum (1%), Echinostoma revolutum (1%), Heterakis gallinarum (29%), Ascaridia galli (16%), Capillaria caudinflata (12%), Capillaria retusa (6%), Capillaria bursata (4%), Capillaria annulata (1%) and Syngamus trachea (2%).     

Trichomonas gallinae in budgerigars and columbid birds in Perth, Western Australia

Objective To estimate the prevalence of infection with Trichomonas gallinae and other parasites of the alimentary tract in psittacine and columbid birds in Perth and to determine in vitro the effectiveness of drugs commonly recommended for treating trichomoniasis.
Design and procedures Samples of crop contents were collected from aviary flocks of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and other psittacine and columbid birds in both private and commercial collections in Perth. Similar samples from wild Senegal doves (Streptopelia senegalensis) also were collected. Crop contents were examined and cultured for Trichomonas gallinae and in vitro studies were conducted on the susceptibility of isolates to several drugs used commonly. Other parasites also were detected by faecal examination and/or necropsy.
Results T gallinae was recovered from birds in 1 of 13 private collections of budgerigars (2/289 birds in total). Direct wetmount examination of crop fluid identified 36.4% of samples at four commercial bird dealers which were later determined by culture to contain T gallinae . The prevalence of T gallinae infection ranged from 0 to 11.4% in budgerigars. The prevalence of T gallinae infection in wild Senegal doves was 46% and from one flock of racing pigeons was 59%. The in vitro minimum lethal concentrations of metronidazole, dimetridazole and ronidazole ranged from 40 to 96, 30 to 80 and 40 to 92 μg/mL respectively for six isolates of T gallinae . Other alimentary parasites detected during the survey included Spironucleus sp (syn Hexamita sp), coccidia, Ascaridia platycerci and Raillietina sp.
Conclusions Thirteen budgerigar flocks belonging to members of avicultural societies in Perth had a low prevalence of trichomoniasis and other parasitic infections. The dose rate currently recommended for ronidazole may not result in complete protozoacidal activity against T gallinae infection.     

Survey of the pathologic findings in a large production colony of pigeons, with special reference to pseudomembranous stomatitis and nephritis

Pathologic evaluations of pigeons dying between September 1984 and August 1985 are reported for a production colony of 1200-1800 White Carneau and Show Racer pigeons ranging in age from hatchlings to 12 years. Infectious diseases were the common causes of death in pigeons younger than 1 year; salmonellosis and nephritis were the common causes in pigeons 1-3 years old; and neoplasia and reproductive organ disorders were the common causes in pigeons older than 3 years. Monthly mortality was 2-4% in pigeons fed a cholesterol-containing diet and 0.9% in those fed noncholesterol-containing pellet diets. The increased deaths in the cholesterol-fed birds were attributed primarily to end-stage renal disease and atherosclerosis with secondary complications. The most frequently observed clinical entity in pigeons younger than 6 months was pseudomembrane formation on the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, termed pseudomembranous stomatitis. The definitive etiologic factor was not determined. Although all affected pigeons had similar gross lesions, the cases fell into one of three subsets, suggestive of bacterial, fungal, or viral etiologies. Chronic nephritis occurring as end-stage renal disease was more severe in pigeons fed a cholesterol-containing diet.     

鹅蛔虫ITS rDNA的分子特征及种类分析

为探究从广东省清远的鹅体内采集的蛔虫(Ascaridia anseris)的种类,对临床采集的鹅蛔虫样品,在形态观察的基础上,用保守引物NC5和NC2扩增鹅蛔虫的ITS rDNA基因片段,将扩增产物经克隆测序后,获得大小为1 009bp的鹅蛔虫ITS rDNA基因序列(GenBank登录号为KC905082)。序列比对和系统进化分析表明,鹅蛔虫5.8SrRNA基因与GenBank收录的鸡蛔虫(登录号为AJ001508)同源性为96%,而与不同地理株的鸽蛔虫的同源性在91%~96%之间;禽蛔科的鸡蛔虫、鸽蛔虫和鹅蛔虫同一进化分支,鹅蛔虫、鸡蛔虫和鸽蛔虫处于各自的独立进化分支。上述证明,鹅蛔虫是不同于鸽蛔虫的一个独立有效种,在系统发生关系上与鸡蛔虫更亲近。     

Effect of Raillietina echinobothrida infection on blood values and intestinal tissues of domestic fowls of Bangladesh

An examination of the blood profile of domestic fowls infected with Raillietina echinobothrida revealed anaemia with a significant increase of total leukocyte counts and decrease of total serum protein. The pathological changes in the intestines were characterised by villous atrophy, enteritis with cellular infiltration and formation of characteristic granulomas.