Identification of two new species of chewing lice in pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in Kerbala Province, Iraq

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine the spread and identify of chewing lice on pigeons (Columba livia domestica) during the period from July to December 2019. Three species of lice were only found Columbicola columbae (Linnaeus 1758), Columbicola tschulyschman (Eichler, 1942) and Campanulotes compar (Burmeister, 1838) in Kerbala province, Iraq. A total of 180 pigeons were randomly selected from the cubbyholes in markets (90 males and 90 females) to estimate the presence of chewing lice. Results were recorded two species of ectoparasites including Columbicola tschulyschman (Eichler, 1942) and Campanulotes compar (Burmeister, 1838) for the first time. The total infestation of pigeons was 81% of all examined pigeons. No significant differences were observed between males, female and months (P>0.05). The highest percentage was (100%) in July and August and lowest in September and December was 66.6%. Although Columbicola columbae was more abundant, but other two species of lice was found. No significant differences between lice Species and sex birds were observed (P>0.05). A significant differences were found among monthly infestations and lice Species (P ≤ 0.05).