Prevalence ofCampylobacter jejuni, Salmonella typhimurium, and avianParamyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1) in pigeons from different regions in Croatia

Abstract

A total of 107 feral pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica), 56 race pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) and 16 wild rock pigeons (Columba livia Gmelin, 1789,Rock Pigeon) were captured in different regions of Croatia to monitor some of the diseases of pigeons, with special emphasis on the transmission of possible zoonoses to other animals and humans. The examined pigeons were of differing age, with 91 (50.8%) males and 88 (49.2%) females. All sera were tested for the presence of antibodies against avianparamyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1) in the haemagglutination inhibition test (HI test). The majority of birds from different environments had antibodies to PMV-1.Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from 17 (15.3%) cloacal swabs or feces.Campylobacter jejuni was cultured from 9 (8.1%) fecal samples derived from feral pigeons. The presence of these two microorganisms was not confirmed in race and wild rock pigeons. 103 birds (57.5%) showed the presence of the chewing liceColumbicola columbae andCampanulotes bidentatus. Protozoa and nematodes were also identified. The frequencies of detection in feral pigeons were:Trichomonas gallinae (50.5%),Eimeria spp. (13.1%),Capillaria sp. (4.7%) andAscaridia columbae (8.4%),Trichostrongylus sp. (2.8%). Wild rock pigeons were less intensively infested than the other two groups of examined pigeons.