High clinical disturbance and mortality in pigeon flocks caused by Hadjelia truncata infection in Sistan, Iran

Abstract

A large number of birds in 3 pigeon flocks (containing 637 individuals) were severely affected by Hadjelia truncata. This was observed in April 2011 in Sistan District in Iran. In the affected birds, progressive weight loss, weakness, and death were observed. In the necropsy of 8 cases the gizzards were larger and softer than normal and in all of them distortion was detected. Stool examination by the Clayton Lane method revealed 72% infection among domestic pigeons. The hematological analysis of affected birds showed signs of decline in hematocrit and total protein volume. A levamisole treatment program could successfully remove the parasite from pigeon flocks.