Parasitic infection status of different native species of Columbidae family in southwest of Iran

Abstract

In current investigation, for the first time, prevalence of parasites in different native members of columbidae family were studied carefully in Shahrekord, located in southwest of Iran. Totally 220 birds from 4 different species were examined for presence of every ectoparasites and endoparasites by use of identification keys for parasites. After preparation of blood smears, oral cavity and crop wet smears, feces samples and their direct smears, flotation of feces and evisceration of examined birds, isolation and identification of parasites were done via laboratory methods and identification keys. Results of current study show the occurrence and prevalence of different parasites in examined groups. The common blood parasite with highest prevalence is Haemoproteous columbae in Rock pigeons (27.27%). The highest prevalence of Leukocytozoon marchouxi is for Rock Pigeons (5.54%). Columbicola columbae is the common ectoparsite with highest prevalence in Rock pigeons (56.36%), the highest prevalence of Menopon gallinae is for Rock Pigeons (21.81%), also the highest prevalence of Pseudolynchia canariensis and Lipeurus caponis are for Rock pigeons (36.36% and 16.36% respectively). The highest prevalence of Trichomonas gallinae is for Rock pigeons (67.27%). The highest prevalence of Eimeria labbeana is for Laughing Doves (30.90%). Highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium meleagridis is for Rock pigeons (3.63%) and the highest prevalence Echinostoma revolutum is for Rock Pigeons (20%). Ascaridia columbae has the highest prevalence in Domestic Pigeons (25.45%). The highest prevalence of Ascaridia galli, Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina tetragona are for Rock Pigeons (7.27%, 18.18% and 12.72% respectively). Results of current study for the first time show the considerable level of parasitic infections in the examined groups in this area.