Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites among pigeons in Kerala

Abstract

Pigeon rearing is comparatively easy and profitable when compared to rearing of otherexotic birds such as canaries and parrots. As the bird population is on the rise, there is a steadyupsurge in the occurrence of diseases too. Parasitic infestation among pigeons can be mild tofatal and thus a major cause of concern. A study was conducted to find out the occurrence ofgastrointestinal parasites among pigeons in Kerala. Out of 91 pigeons tested, 79were foundpositive for ova of gastrointestinal parasites with a prevalence of 86.8 per cent.Ascaridia spp.(59.3per cent) and Capillaria spp.(19.7 per cent) were the most common nematodes observed.Oocysts of Eimeria spp. was observed in 39.5 per cent of pigeons screened. Mixed infections were also noticed in 35.1 per cent of birds. This study depicts a very high occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites among pigeons of Kerala which in turn requires intervening measures to reduce the incidence.