Abstract
The current study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in rock pigeons in different regions of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 120 birds were captured from March 2017 to February 2019. The ectoparasites were collected by standard procedures and preserved in 70% ethanol containing one drop of glycerin. Data related to age, health status, sex, type of area, sampling location and season were collected using a standardized form. Ectoparasites were identified based on morphological characteristics by using identification keys. Ninety-six (80%) birds were infested with ectoparasites. A total of seven families and thirteen species of different ectoparasites were observed. Mainly, seven species of lice, two species of flies, one species of tick and three species of mites were recovered from infested birds. The female pigeons were more often infested (89.02%) than male pigeons (60.52%). The prevalence was found higher during summer (100%) as compared to other seasons. The infestation rate was higher in Industrial area (97.50%) as compared to other regions. The highest prevalence of ectoparasites (100%) was recorded from Sargodha district. There was significant (P < 0.05) variation among number of ectoparasites on wing, chest, tail and neck within age groups, seasons and ecological zones. The occurrence of parasites in relation to area, age, health status, sex and season were significant. The infestation rate of parasites in rock pigeon is high in different districts of Punjab. It is recommended that these wild birds infested with multiple species of ectoparasites could be the potential source of infestations in domesticated birds if they come in contact with them. The contact of domesticated birds should be prevented from wild birds to minimize the chance of cross species transmission of ectoparasites.
Highlights
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) belonging to the order Columbiformes can be found virtually in every geographical region of the world except for the poles
Seven families and thirteen species of ectoparasites were recognized, which were included of 8 species of lice; 2 species of fly, 1 species of tick and 3 species of mites (Table 1)
The lice species, H. lata, C. turbinatum, C. tschulyschman, Coloceras damicorne, C. columbae, and C. bidentatus were recovered from head, neck, quill feathers of wings, tail, rump, nap, beneath shafts and rachis while one species of fly P. canariensis was found from the down and counter feathers of the skin
Summary
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) belonging to the order Columbiformes can be found virtually in every geographical region of the world (even in city and town) except for the poles. The parasitological findings play a significant role in approximation of health status of the birds but are useful indicators to monitor the climatic changes favoring the parasitic host, load and other factors such as population density, breeding success, scanty of food and inter and intra‐specific competitions for resources. These parasites such as ticks, mites, lice and fleas have been reported to show a variety of physiological, anatomical and morphological adaptations to enhance their living style and existence on their specific host (Musa et al, 2012)
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Schedule a callMore From: Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia
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