Zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in pigeons (Columba spp.) at a wildlife hospital in France: Occurrence and molecular identification.

Domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are potential reservoirs of opportunistic yeasts that may pose health risks to humans, particularly in urban environments. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, seasonal distribution, and molecular identification of Candida species in pigeon feces across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fecal samples were collected from 64 pigeons across four regions of Riyadh during all four seasons. Yeasts were isolated using selective Sabouraud dextrose agar and CHROMagar Candida, purified, and preserved. Species-level identification was performed via morphological analysis, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS), and molecular techniques targeting the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on confirmed Candida albicans isolates. Overall, 20.31% (n=13) of the samples were positive for fungal isolation. The predominant species were C. albicans, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Clavispora lusitaniae. Seasonal analysis revealed the highest prevalence in spring (7.81%), while the central region of Riyadh showed the highest regional prevalence (7.81%). MALDI-TOF MS successfully identified C. lusitaniae and P. kudriavzevii, whereas C. albicans was confirmed via PCR and ITS sequencing (GenBank: OR467467 and OR467468). Phylogenetic analysis placed C. albicans isolates in a well-supported monophyletic clade. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity influenced fungal prevalence. Cryptococcus neoformans was not detected. Domestic pigeons in Riyadh serve as environmental reservoirs of pathogenic Candida species, highlighting potential public health risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring urban bird populations to mitigate opportunistic fungal transmission.

Widespread use of nitroimidazoles in competition pigeons reduced their effectiveness against Trichomonas gallinae.

Post-hatching development of the ovaries in domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and Baladi duck (Anas boschas domesticus)

Prevalence and impact of cestodes and protozoan Haemoproteus columbae in urban pigeons, first parasitological insights in New Valley, Egypt.

Prevalence and Genetic Determinants of blaTEM and tetA Resistance Genes in Avian Salmonella Isolates from Apparently Healthy Domestic Pigeon Populations in Northern Bangladesh

Based on observation that house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and wild rock pigeons (Columba livia) exhibited distinct feeding preference during the wax-ripening stage showing strong attraction to the wheat cultivar Nongpin 5 and its F1seeds derived from the direct cross population (♀Nongpin 5×♂Mengjian 33), while actively avoiding Mengjian 33 and F1seeds derived from the direct cross population (♀Mengjian 33×♂Nongpin 5). Subsequently, combined analyses of metabolomics profiling and electronic nose (E-nose) detection were performed on F 1 generation seeds of two reciprocal crosses populations. The results demonstrated that the direct cross population exhibited significantly higher levels of flavor compounds linked to woody, lipidic, and fruity sensory profiles, including n-decanol and 2-phenylethanol. In contrast, the reciprocal cross population accumulated significantly higher levels of sulfides and aromatic organosulfur compounds, among which, 2-methyl-1-butanethiol identified as potential key metabolites responsible for avian food avoidance. To validate these findings, feeding experiments with domesticated pigeons were conducted using diets treated with 2-methyl-1-butanethiol, n-decanol and furanone, respectively. The results confirmed that domesticated pigeons exhibited diets supplemented with n-decanol, while actively avoiding those treated with 2-methyl-1-butanethiol. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the differences in flavor-related metabolites among wheat grain cultivars underlies avian foraging preferences. This study also provides a solid theoretical basis for future research on wheat grain flavor modulation and the development of breeding strategies aimed at tailoring flavor profiles to mitigate avian pest pressure.

Avian trichomonosis is caused by protozoa of the genus Trichomonas, mainly Trichomonas gallinae, which infects the upper digestive tract of birds and is commonly associated with Columbiformes, the main reservoirs of the parasite. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Trichomonas spp. in captive synanthropic birds from southeastern Brazil. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 281 birds belonging to 13 avian orders and analyzed using Diamond medium culture, Giemsa-stained smears, and molecular assays. Of the 262 samples submitted to culture analysis, 72 (27.48%) showed trophozoite-like structures under light microscopy. Molecular screening based on the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region detected Trichomonas DNA in 76 out of 267 samples with successful DNA extraction (28.46%), including 72 Columba livia domestica from Franca, one Coragyps atratus from Ribeirão Preto, and three rock doves from Jaboticabal. Among the ITS-positive samples, 67 (88.15%) amplified the Fe-hydrogenase gene, and 65 (85.5%) were also positive for the 18S rRNA gene. Only six samples (2.29%) exhibited structures compatible with Trichomonas spp. in Giemsa-stained smears. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences grouped the isolates into two clades within the Trichomonas gallinae complex. Greater genetic diversity was observed using Fe-hydrogenase and 18S rRNA markers, revealing multiple haplotypes and clades. Molecular assays, particularly PCR applied directly to oropharyngeal swabs, showed higher sensitivity for detecting and characterizing Trichomonas gallinae compared to culture and cytology. These findings highlight the high occurrence and genetic diversity of T. gallinae in captive synanthropic pigeons and reinforce the importance of molecular tools for epidemiological surveillance in wildlife facilities.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a key member of the neurotrophin family, is critically involved in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. While its roles in mammals have been extensively documented, the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing BDNF expression and its causal contributions to complex cognitive behaviors remain poorly understood in non-mammalian vertebrates-particularly for the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica), a species distinguished by its remarkable spatial navigation and homing capabilities. This review synthesizes the current evidence on BDNF in the pigeon central nervous system across five thematic domains: molecular structure and isoform diversity, transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory networks, involvement in neural development, associations with cognitive and navigational behaviors, and potential translational applications. A particular emphasis is placed on the region-specific and activity-dependent expression patterns of BDNF in brain structures such as the hippocampal formation (HF), optic tectum, and striatum, and their functional relevance to visual processing, homing behavior, and stress adaptation. To date, most findings remain correlational; therefore, establishing a mechanistic understanding necessitates the integration of advanced methodologies-including single-cell omics, CRISPR-based gene editing, and high-resolution behavioral phenotyping-to causally link BDNF dynamics, neural circuit modulation, and spatial cognition. This synthesis aims to bridge gaps in comparative neurobiology, inform molecular approaches to avian cognitive enhancement, and support evidence-based strategies for racing pigeon breeding and welfare assessment.

Effects of sexual pairing pattern on behaviour and reproductive performance in domestic pigeons

In recent years, pigeon rotavirus A (PiRVA) infection, an important emerging disease, has posed a major threat to the healthy development of the pigeon industry and public health. Therefore, developing an accurate, rapid and convenient detection method for this virus is vital for monitoring and early diagnosis of the disease. In this study, on the basis of the ORF sequence characteristics of the PiRVA VP6 gene, crRNA and reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) primers were designed. On the basis of the CRISPR/Cas12a system, for the first time, the RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a rapid detection method of PiRVA was established by combining RT-RAA and lateral flow strips. This method could specifically detect PiRVA, and there was no cross-reaction with other common viruses originating from pigeons. The minimum detection limit was 16.8 copies/μL, and the results of the intrabatch and interbatch repeated tests were consistent. Moreover, the method established in this study and the previously established common PCR method were used to analyse 56 clinical tissue samples from racing pigeons and domestic pigeons collected in 2025. The positive rates of racing pigeon and domestic pigeon samples detected by PCR were 17.6% and 12.8%, respectively, and the positive rates of racing pigeon and meat pigeon samples detected by the RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a method were 23.5% and 17.9%, respectively, indicating that PiRVA infection occurs in both racing pigeon and domestic pigeon populations in China. In summary, the PiRVA RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection method established in this study has good specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility, and allows visualization of the results, which can be used for field applications. This study provides technical support for epidemiological surveillance and etiological research on PiRVA.

Pigeon paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1) is a major cause of mortality in domestic and free-living pigeons worldwide and has the potential to infect chickens, posing risks to the poultry sector. This study investigated a severe outbreak of PPMV-1 in a racing pigeon loft in Srinagar, India, despite routine vaccination with the LaSota strain. Molecular screening of 30 clinical samples identified NDV in 18 birds by real-time qPCR targeting the matrix gene. Histopathology revealed characteristic viscerotropic lesions, including epithelial necrosis and congestion in the proventriculus and duodenum, sinusoidal dilation in the liver, and lymphoid depletion in the spleen, consistent with pathogenic NDV infection. Whole genome sequencing of one of the isolates FVSC-S64 showed a virulent multi-basic cleavage site motif (113-KRQKRF-117) and classified the strain as genotype XXI.1.2. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close clustering with pigeon-derived isolates from Pakistan and Eastern Europe, while showing marked genetic divergence from Class I and other Class II strains. Comparative analysis revealed extensive amino acid substitutions within major antigenic regions of the fusion protein, including L69M (A1-A3) and Y337H, T341S, and R349K (A5), along with substitutions in antigenic regions of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein, notably D349S and G494D. Virus neutralization testing showed that sera from LaSota-vaccinated chicken developed strong homologous neutralizing responses but failed to neutralize the FVSC-S64 isolate, demonstrating a pronounced antigenic mismatch. Together, these molecular, pathological, and serological findings provide clear evidence of vaccine escape by an emergent genotype XXI.1.2 PPMV-1 strain and highlight the urgent need for genotype-matched vaccines to improve NDV control in pigeon populations.

The purpose of the study was to examine and identify the pathological intestinal injuries and lesions in Domestic pigeons Columba livia domestica Gmelin, 1789, which were naturally infected by a number of nematode parasites Ascaridia columbae (Gmelin, 1790).The data sample was collected from four different localities Kandhkot, Ghouspur, Kashmore, and Buxapur of Kashmore, Sindh, Pakistan during August 2023 to May 2025.A total of 08 specimens were recovered.The prevalence was recorded 75%.The parasite belongs to (Nemathelminthes: Nematoda: Ascaridida) family Ascaridiidae.The species was highly pathogenic and were found in different regions of intestines of the hosts.Histopathological slides of intestine were prepared and observed of total 12 Domestic pigeons.Major histopathological findings included necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, distortions and dilation of intestinal glands, destruction of the crypt cells, mineralization, pigment deposition, destruction of the superficial intestinal lining, infiltration of plasma cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, mononuclear cells, and eosinophils, destruction and disorganization of muscular layer, atrophy of villi, increase cellular replica of Brunner's and crypt glands and their secretions stopped, the blood vessels were damaged.Occurrence of necrosis in the infected parts of intestine of infected Domestic pigeons like mucosa, villi and intestinal glands and show polymorpho nuclear and mononuclear cells in necrotized zone.The research aim was to identify a greater number of the intestinal species of parasites in hosts with the comparison of their pathology for poultry breeders for maintaining the economy.Nematode parasites Ascaridia columbae (Gmelin, 1790) with their histopathological changes were identified and investigated first time from study area Kashmore, Sindh, Pakistan.The kind of study also help in diagnosing the other various types of diaereses in Domestic pigeons.

Histopathological changes in the intestine of Domestic pigeons Columba livia domestica Gmelin, 1789 infected by Cestode Raillietina tetragona (Molin, 1858) from Kashmore, Sindh, Pakistan

The present study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of protozoan parasites inhabiting the digestive tract of domestic birds which included pigeon (Columba livia domestica), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in the state of Assam, India. The study was conducted in 8 districts of Assam viz. Kamrup (Rural and Metro), Dhubri, Barpeta, Nalbari, Darrang, Baksa, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji. A total of 1278 pooled faecal samples were collected for study. Faecal examination by floatation method for the presence or absence of oocyst of coccidia and by Modified Ziehl- Neelsen staining for detection of Cryptosporidium infection was carried out in domestic birds and overall prevalence of protozoa was recorded as 34.66%. Identified species were Eimeria labbeana (26.35%), E. columbarum (8.69%) and E. columbae (3.53%) from pigeon; Eimeria tenella (19.13%), E. acervulina (9.46%), E. necatrix (6.88%), E. maxima (2.36%) and Cryptosporidium baileyi (3.01%) from chicken; Eimeria battakhi (19.86%) from duck and Eimeria tsunodai (13.29%), E. bateri (5.69%), E. uzura (3.16%) and Cryptosporidium meleagridis (4.43%) from quail.

This study investigated the effects of boiling, roasting, and frying on the quality and flavor characteristics of Shiqi pigeon (Columba livia domestica) meat. Changes in color, texture, microstructure, and volatile profiles were systematically evaluated using colorimetry, texture profile analysis, scanning electron microscopy, electronic nose analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal processing significantly influenced physicochemical properties and flavor profiles. Fried samples exhibited the highest hardness (27.79 N), chewiness (33.13 mJ), and maximum shear force (30.23 N), while boiled samples showed the lowest hardness (22.12 N) and puncture hardness (12.20 N), indicating improved tenderness. Electronic nose PCA explained 85.4% of total variance (PC1: 59.5%; PC2: 25.9%), clearly discriminating the three treatments. Color measurements showed that frying induced the greatest total color difference (ΔE > 1, p < 0.05), followed by roasting and boiling. FTIR analysis revealed pronounced shifts in amide I bands in fried samples, indicating stronger protein secondary structure alterations. Overall, different thermal processing methods produced distinct quality and flavor characteristics in pigeon meat, providing scientific guidance for process optimization and product development.

IntroductionColumba livia, the common pigeon, is the most abundant free-ranging avian species in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the pigeon’s ecological prominence, data on helminth parasites infecting this host remain undocumented in the region. This investigation examined helminth infections in both wild and domestic pigeon populations in the city of Al Ain to establish baseline parasitological records.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional survey conducted between August 2023 and October 2024 analysed 100 adult pigeons obtained through trapping and local market acquisition. The helminth parasites recovered were morphologically identified, and parasitological indicators were determined including infection prevalence and intensity.ResultsHelminths were detected in 69% of examined birds, with a mean infection intensity of 6.4 parasites per host. Seven helminth species were identified: three cestodes (Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona and Cotugnia digonopora), three nematodes (Ascaridia galli, Dispharagus nasutus and Gongylonema sp.), and one trematode (Brachylaima sp.). Raillietina echinobothrida (57%) and C. digonopora (21%) were the most prevalent. Key epidemiological findings showed male pigeons had significantly higher infection intensity (5.1 vs 3.5 parasites/bird) than females, though prevalence differences were not significant (71.4% vs 65.9%). Crucially, feral pigeons exhibited a dramatically higher infection prevalence (92%) than domestic pigeons (46%). However, infection intensity differences between feral (2.7) and domestic (2.3) birds were not significant.ConclusionAs the first helminthological assessment of UAE pigeons, this study documents seven new regional parasite records and underscores the need for continued surveillance to assess potential zoonotic and ecological risks in urban ecosystems.

The pharmacokinetics of tylvalosin, a veterinary macrolide antibiotic, were evaluated in 2 groups of geese, 26 groups of pigeons, and 26 groups of quail (n = 6 birds/group) following a single intravenous (IV) and oral therapy. Tylvalosin concentrations in plasma samples obtained at various intervals up to 48 h post-dosing were assessed employing high-performance liquid chromatography. Furthermore, 30 birds of each species were given tylvalosin orally at 25 mg/kg/day for 5 days for investigating its residues in tissues. After IV injection, tylvalosin exhibited wide distribution in the three species with volumes of distribution of 11.07 ± 1.68, 21.94, and 22.82 L/kg in geese, pigeons, and quail, respectively. After being administered once orally, the peak plasma levels were 4.51 ± 0.32, 1.53, and 0.97 µg/mL, reached at 1 h in geese, pigeons, and quail, respectively. The oral bioavailability was 87.82% in geese, 92.17% in pigeons, and 94% in quail. In the tissue depletion experiment, the highest tylvalosin residues were recorded in the lung, followed by the liver and then the muscle; meanwhile, skin and fat tissues contained the lowest levels. Tylvalosin demonstrated rapid absorption, high bioavailability, and extensive distribution in all three species after oral treatment. Based on the tissue depletion data, withdrawal times of 26 days for geese, 19 days for pigeons, and 13 days for quail are recommended to ensure food safety. Future PK/PD modeling studies are required to adjust dosage regimens of tylvalosin in clinical settings.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that affects birds and humans, it play role in potential zoonotic interspecies transmission. adequate diagnosis is important to study the epidemiological diversity of this genus. This study aimed to diagnose the species of Cryptosporidium in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Nasiriyah city in Iraq, by using nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR). Seventeen fecal samples from domestic pigeons were collected. Nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the 18S rRNA gene was done to detect and molecularly characterize the parasite, and we study the genetic similarities with known Cryptosporidium species in humans and birds in gene bank. The rate of infection Pigeons was high 64.7% , the Cryptosporidium was detected in 11 out of 17 samples.Three species were detected : C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, and C. avium. The present study confirms for the first time the presence of Cryptosporidium avium in domestic pigeons in Iraq using molecular analysis. The samples showed a high genetic similarity of 98.50%-99.0% with known human species, indicating a close genetic relationship. This is the first molecular identification of C. avium parasites in pigeons in Nasiriyah, with one sample showing a 99.45% match with the species isolated from birds. Minor genetic mutations were also observed in the 18S rRNA gene, indicating slight genetic diversity that may be related to the adaptation of the parasite. This study highlights the presence and diversity of Cryptosporidium parasites in domestic pigeons in Iraq, emphasizing the potential for parasite transmission between birds and humans. These findings provide a foundation for future research into transmission pathways and infection.

Fipronil, a broad-spectrum phenylpyrazole insecticide, is widely used in agriculture and pest control but poses toxicity risks to non-target avian species through environmental contamination, particularly via drinking water. Despite known neurotoxic effects in birds, data on domestic pigeons (Columba livia) and effective clinical interventions remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the acute oral toxicity profile of Fipronil-contaminated drinking water in domestic pigeons and evaluate treatment strategies to mitigate intoxication symptoms. Using the OECD Avian Acute Oral Toxicity Test protocol, 48 pigeons were orally exposed to 11.3 mg/kg Fipronil via drinking water. Clinical signs were monitored over 14 days. Therapeutic interventions included oral glucose saline, intravenous glycopyrrolate, and intranasal midazolam. Tissue residues of Fipronil and its sulfone metabolite were quantified in brain and liver samples. Statistical analyses were used to assess clinical progression, residue accumulation, and body weight changes. Exposed pigeons exhibited progressive neurological and gastrointestinal signs, including tremors, convulsions, diarrhea, and vomiting, with no mortality-significant accumulation of Fipronil residues in brain tissue correlated with symptom severity. Treatments effectively alleviated muscarinic and neurotoxic symptoms. Control pigeons remained unaffected. This study elucidates the acute toxicodynamics of Fipronil in domestic pigeons and demonstrates the efficacy of targeted symptomatic treatments, highlighting the environmental risk and need for standardized avian clinical protocols. These findings advance understanding of avian pesticide toxicity and support improved wildlife conservation strategies.