Columbicola Columbae Research Articles

Parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana : short communication

The following parasites were found in apparently healthy pigeons kept in Sebele: a haemoprotozoan, Haemoproteus columbae (80%); endoparasite metazoan nematodes, Ascaridia columbae (30%) and Dispharynx spiralis (10%); a cestode, Raillietina sp. (80%) and coccidian oocysts (40%); 2 ectoparasites, namely the pigeon fly, Pseudolynchia canariensis (50%) and the louse, Columbicola columbae (30%). The pigeons also had highantibody titres, (1:256) to the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (100%). The latter infection in these domestic pigeons has public health implications.

Absence of Positive Correlation between Fluctuating Asymmetry and Parasitism in the Rock Pigeon

We evaluated the relationship between the intensity of parasites (the chewing lice Columbicola columbae and Campanulotes bidentatus, and the haematozoon Haemoproteus columbae) and the magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of their Rock Pigeon Columba livia hosts. We measured the length of four morphological traits of 91 Rock Pigeons (both left and right sides) in Singapore between June and September 1996: wing, tail, tarsus and third digit. FA was either detected or assumed, after statistical correction, in the tail, tarsi and third digits of both sexes and in the wings of males. Correlations between parasite intensity (either ectoparasite or blood parasite) and FA in each measured trait were not significant (P> 0.15). We suggest that one of the possible reasons for the lack of a relationship between parasitism and FA in the Rock Pigeon is that the parasites studied may have little effect on the four host traits examined.

The ecto-, gastro-intestinal and haemo-parasites of live pigeons (Columba livia) in Kampala, Uganda

In a study from October, 1996 to March, 1997, 34 pigeons in three different locations were studied for parasites. The majority of birds in Nakulabye appeared clinically sick, while those within Makerere University and Wandegeya were apparently healthy. Biometric data were taken for each bird and, during the process, ectoparasites were collected. Faecal and blood samples were obtained. The study of ectoparasites revealed that Pseudolynchia canariensis (the 'pigeon fly') was the most prevalent parasite (100%). The louse Columbicola columbae was next in prevalence (94.1%). It is postulated that the pigeon fly transports this parasite. Three lice of economic importance were found: Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus and Chelopistes meleagridis. Cestodes were the only helminths found, occurring in 23.5% of the birds. Identification of the cestodes was not possible. Haemoparasites were mainly of two genera, Haemoproteus and Plasmodium. Haemaproteus was the most prevalent (76.5%). This was possibly due to the high abundance of its vector, P. canariensis.

Common Grackle Anting with Lime Fruit and Its Effect on Ectoparasites

Common Grackle Anting with Lime Fruit and Its Effect on Ectoparasites

Successful rearing of Colpocephalum turbinatum (Phthiraptera).

SEVERAL attempts have been made to rear avian lice in vitro but in most cases they have been maintained for only one generation1, 2. Stenram3, however, seems to have reared a species of the suborder Ischnocera, Columbicola columbae (Linn.) in culture for several generations without difficulty and I report here that a species of the suborder Amblycera has been colonized successfully in vitro. I also report the first definitive evidence of predation by lice, for this species feeds on its own eggs and nymphs.

LIFE HISTORY AND HABITS OF THE PIGEON LOUSE (COLUMBICOLA COLUMBAE [LINNAEUS[)

Very little work has been done on the life history or habits of Mallophaga. Only two papers have heen published since 1913 which give even a general discussion of the life history of these parasites. The number of instars through which the insects pass was not determined in either case. For the experiments reported in this paper, the pigeon louse (Columbicola columbae [Linnaeus]) was chosen because of the ease of obtaining and handling the common host, Columba livia Linn.