Gastrointestinal parasites of feral pigeon (Columba livia Gmelin, 1789) at two temples of Kathmandu valley

Abstract

Protozoans, helminths and other gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections in Aves are an imperative but often ignored topic in rising nations like Nepal. Accurate inspections of GI parasites in feral pigeons inform pragmatic treatment regimens. In a prospective examination of intestinal parasites in the coprological study of feral pigeons in April 2016, a total of 120 samples were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate and examined by microscopy of direct and concentrated faecal sample techniques to detect ova, larvae, and oocysts of parasites. Altogether 109 (90.83%) samples were positive with 6 genera of GI parasites. The study identified one genus of protozoa: Eimeria sp. (43.34%) and five genera of helminths: Capillaria sp. (51.67%), Ascaridia sp. (27.50%), Heterakis sp. (19.17%), Syngamus sp. (4.17%) and Tetrameres sp. (1.70%). The prevalence rate of helminth parasites (83.34%) was higher than the prevalence rate of protozoan parasites (43.34%). The present study revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of helminths and protozoan parasites (χ²=15.14, p<0.05). However, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites showed no significant variation with respect to single and mixed infection (χ² =1.56, p>0.05). The present study examined a higher prevalence rate of gastrointestinal parasites due to a lack of deworming programs in feral pigeons and a lack of sustainable action designs. Therefore, the sustainable action design and its implementation to control parasitic infection and reduce the health hazards of feral temple pigeons were recommended.