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

Twelve adult domestic pigeons from Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana, were examined for the presence of helminth parasites. The cestode genus Raillietina and two species of nematodes, Dispharynx spiralis and Ascaridia columbae were recovered. Most pigeons (75 %) were infected with Raillietina spp. often in concurrence with A. columbae.     

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.     

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.     

Outbreak of avian mycobacteriosis in a flock of two-year-old domestic pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica)

This report describes an outbreak of avian mycobacteriosis in a flock of 100 two-yr-old pigeons. Over a 6-mo period, the sick pigeons showed cachexia followed by death. In Columbiformes classic tubercles rarely develop, but in these affected pigeons granulomatous nodular lesions of various sizes, containing numerous acid-fast bacilli, were found in the internal organs. The lesions were observed in the liver, spleen, intestine, bone marrow, ovary, and oviduct. Despite their breeding age, atrophy was also found in the ovary and oviduct. Microorganisms belonging to Mycobacterium avium complex were identified in the affected tissues by polymerase chain reaction.     

Quantitative renal scintigraphy in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) exposed to toxic doses of gentamicin

OBJECTIVE: To standardize techniques for renal scintigraphy in birds, to use scintigraphy to assess gentamicin nephrotoxicosis in birds, to compare nuclear medicine assessments with histologic assessment of gentamicin nephrotoxicosis and serum uric acid concentrations, and to determine the radiopharmaceutical that best quantifies avian renal function. ANIMALS: 12 domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica). PROCEDURE: Serum uric acid concentrations were determined for all birds. Renal scintigraphy techniques that used technetium-m99 (99mTc)-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA; 4 hours after injection) and 99mTc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA; 15-minute dynamic study) were evaluated in all birds. Renal biopsy specimens were collected following baseline scans. Number and size of renal tubule granules positive for periodic acid-Schiff stain were scored for severity (scale of 0 to 4). Nephrotoxicosis was induced by administration of gentamicin. Serum uric acid concentrations were measured, and 99mTc-DMSA and 99mTc-DTPA scans were repeated after gentamicin administration. Birds were euthanatized, and complete necropsies were performed. RESULTS: Standard avian renal scintigraphy techniques were developed for 99mTc-DMSA and 99mTc-DTPA. Decreased renal radiopharmaceutical uptake for 99mTc-DMSA and 99mTc-DTPA indicated nephrotoxicosis. Cloacal accumulation of 99mTc-DTPA was significantly decreased after administration of gentamicin. Histologic grading of renal tissue before and after gentamicin administration confirmed nephrotoxicosis. Inconsistent serum uric acid concentrations could not be used to assess nephrotoxicosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Renal nuclear scintigraphy is a useful, noninvasive means to determine renal function in birds. Although 99mTc-DMSA may prove useful in the evaluation of renal morphology, Tc-DTPA is the radiopharmaceutical agent of choice for the assessment of renal function in avian species.     

Unusual biphasic disease in domestic pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) following experimental infection with Sarcocystis calchasi

A novel Sarcocystis species has recently been reported in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) as intermediate host, causing severe central nervous signs similar to Paramyxovirus-1 or Salmonella Typhimurium var. cop. infection. Transmission of the parasite via the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) as definitive host has been established. Experimental infection of domestic pigeons with sporocysts excreted by experimentally infected northern goshawks reproduced the natural infection in the pigeon, proving the causative role of the parasite in the disease. Here, we describe in greater detail the course of the fulminant biphasic disease depending on the infectious dose. Pigeons infected with 10(3) or 10(4) sporocysts showed clinical signs of polyuria and apathy around 10-11 days postinfection (dpi) and sudden neurological signs 51-57 dpi as a second phase of disease. Pigeons infected with higher doses died within 7-12 dpi, also showing polyuria and apathy but without nervous signs. At necropsy, livers and spleens had multifocal necroses and infestations with parasitic stages, namely, schizonts. Moreover, lesions and schizonts were also found in the lung, bone marrow, and next to blood vessels in the connective tissue of various organs. Pigeons infected with 102 sporocysts remained symptomless until 58-65 dpi, when sudden central nervous signs occurred. Major histopathologic findings of pigeons with neurological signs were encephalitis and myositis of virtually every skeletal muscle with high infestations of sarcocysts. Only mild myocarditis and very few cysts were found in the heart muscles. Importantly, a sentinel pigeon developed identical lesions when compared to those of low-dose infected pigeons, suggesting a risk of mechanical transmission of sporocysts from freshly infected to uninfected pigeons in a flock. By contrast, chickens failed to develop any clinical signs or pathologic lesions in the same experiment. The findings further characterize the new highly pathogenic disease in domestic pigeons, which clinically mimics paramyxovirosis and salmonellosis in both phases of the disease and exclude chickens as further intermediate host species.     

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.     

Efficacy of topical rocuronium bromide as a mydriatic agent in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of rocuronium bromide as mydriatic agent in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). This study was done in two phases. In the first phase, rocuronium bromide (0.20 mg/20 µl) was topically instilled to the right eye (OD) of eight domestic pigeons. Pupil diameter was measured before instillation (T0), and at 5 (T05) and 10 (T10) min after instillation, and every 10 min thereafter until 160 (T160) min. Pupillary light reflex (PLR) was assessed using a scoring system at the same time points. In the second phase, the same dosage was instilled twice in the span of 10 min into both eyes (OU) of four pigeons (eight eyes). Measurements were done accordingly. The iris color in the first phase were: gravel, pearl and bull eye. All irises in the second phase were bull eye. Mydriasis were observed in 6/8 (75%) pigeons in the first phase. Maximal mydriasis was observed at T30 (mean pupil diameter=4.62 ± 0.13 mm). Pupil diameter in the treated eye was significantly different from contralateral eye and from T0 since T05 (P=0.017 and P=0.006, respectively)−T120 (P=0.043 and P=0.044, respectively). PLR was disappeared from T10 (P=0.034) to T90 (P=0.041). In the second phase, mydriasis was only observed in 2/8 eyes. This study suggested that rocuronium bromide was able to produce mydriasis in pigeons other than bull eye iris.     

Evaluation of antibiotics for racing pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) available in The Netherlands

Antibiotics and chemotherapeutics marketed for use in racing pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) were evaluated by comparing the dosages and indications given by the manufacturers with the data obtained by pharmacokinetic, bacteriological and efficacy studies. This comparison showed that only three of the recommended dosages and indications of the 60 formulations marketed in The Netherlands are scientifically sound and in accordance with the literature. It is to be expected that the majority of the antimicrobials for pigeons will not satisfy the requirements for final registration as a pigeon therapeutic under the Dutch Veterinary Medicines Act of 1985. Several factors affecting drug availability are discussed, such as the different routes of administration and the influence of food. The public health aspects of the consumption of medicated pigeons is also discussed. Although there is no legislation with regard to this subject, a recommended withdrawal time of 10 days for the majority of the antimicrobials seems advisable.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of erythromycin in pigeons (Columba livia)

Tissue and plasma concentrations were determined after intravenous and oral administration of erythromycin to pigeons to establish the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of the drug. A short mean half-life of elimination of 0.9 h was found. The relative bioavailability after direct crop administration of erythromycin thiocyanate or erythromycin ethylsuccinate at a dosage rate of 100 mg/kg was less than 10%. At a drug concentration in drinking water of 1 g/l, erythromycin plasma levels were barely detectable, whilst lung and trachea concentrations reached a maximum of 1.6 micrograms/ml. Even after crop administration of 100-mg/kg erythromycin thiocyanate, low plasma levels were obtained, whilst lung and trachea concentrations were substantially higher. Prescribed drinking-water regimens seemed unable to yield therapeutic tissue concentrations. Only individual crop administration seemed an appropriate medication method. The use of erythromycin ethylsuccinate did not present any advantage in comparison with erythromycin thiocyanate.     

Effect of mydriasis with topical rocuronium bromide on electroretinography in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mydriasis using topical rocuronium bromide on electroretinography (ERG) in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). Scotopic mixed rod and cone, photopic cone, and photopic flicker ERG were performed on nine eyes of nine healthy adult pigeons under sedation. Each pigeon underwent two sets of ERG recordings. First, without the induction of mydriasis (control) and the second time with the induction of mydriasis using topical rocuronium bromide (treatment). The results were compared using either the Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, where a P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in the a- and b-wave implicit times and amplitudes during scotopic ERG between the two groups. The a- and b-wave amplitudes in the photopic cone were significantly higher in the treatment group (63.83 ± 32.33 and 191.75 ± 94.46 µV) compared to the control group (46.15 ± 27.60 and 116.76 ± 70.65 µV; P=0.045 and P=0.032, respectively). The photopic flicker amplitude was also significantly higher in the treatment group (76.23 ± 48.56 µV) than in the control group (42.18 ± 31.18 µV; P=0.044). No statistically significant differences were observed in the photopic cone and flicker implicit times between both groups. In conclusions, mydriasis induced by rocuronium bromide in pigeon resulting in higher amplitudes during the photopic ERG but not scotopic ERG.     

Paramyxovirus-1 in feral pigeons (Columba livia) in Ontario

Paramyxovirus-1 (PMV-1) infection was diagnosed in racing pigeons in Ontario during 1985, but it was not until January 1989, that the virus was isolated from feral pigeons (Columba livia) in this province. During an 18 month period beginning January 1988, a total of 43 feral pigeons was submitted to the Wildlife Diseases Laboratory, Pathology Department, Ontario Veterinary College. A history of neurological signs accompanied most of the birds. Tissues from 29 birds were submitted for PMV-1 isolation. Allantoic inoculation of embryonated chicken eggs yielded PMV-1 in 10 of the pigeons submitted. On the basis of histological criteria, we believe that 12 other birds were also infected with PMV-1.

Gross pathological changes were unremarkable. Lymphplasmacytic interstitial nephritis was observed histologically in all birds from which PMV-1 was isolated. Other lesions seen, in decreasing frequency of occurrence, were lymphoplasmacytic interstitial hepatitis and multifocal hepatic necrosis, lymphoplasmacytic interstitial pancreatitis, nonsuppurative encephalitis and myelitis.

The existence of PMV-1 in feral pigeons poses a potential threat to the poultry population since there is ample opportunity for mingling with poultry under open housing management. There is also a concern that pigeons may harbor the virus, perhaps in the kidney, and become chronic carriers and potential long-term disseminators of the disease.

     

Safety and efficacy of clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin in pigeons (Columba livia)

Pigeons treated orally with 125 mg clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin for seven days showed no adverse reactions. The drug had a marked depressive effect on the faecal flora but this had returned to normal 10 days after cessation of treatment. When administered to pigeons with an experimental Staphylococcus aureus infection of the feet no clinical response was apparent and there was no evidence of a diminution in the inflammatory process.     

Association of ADSL gene polymorphisms with meat quality and carcass traits in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

ABSTRACT

1. Adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) plays an important role in the synthesis of inosine monophosphate (IMP). In this trial, a total of 200 pigeons were sampled and slaughtered. Seven meat quality traits and 11 carcass traits were measured. DNA sequencing was used to detect nucleotide mutations, and associations between ADSL gene polymorphisms and meat quality and carcass traits were analysed.

2. Sequencing results showed that 9 nucleotide mutations were found in the exons of the ADSL gene. All the mutations were synonymous except C13065G, which caused a change in amino acids (Ser to Arg). In addition, two of the detected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) had significant associations with meat quality and carcass traits.

3. For the C13065G SNP located in exon11, the IMP content of breast muscle in AA and AB genotype was higher than in the BB genotype (P < 0.01). The SNP G10696A located in exon10 was significantly associated with carcass rate, in which AA and AB genotype were higher than the BB genotype (P < 0.01).

4. The results indicated that the ADSL gene has a close association with meat quality and carcass traits in domestic pigeons, and G10696A and C13065G SNPs could be applied as genetic markers in molecular marker-assisted breeding of pigeons.     

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.