Identification of Ecto and Endoparasites in Domestic Pigeons (Columba Livia) from the Urban Area of Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia

Abstract

Objetive. Determine the presence of internal and external parasites in common pigeons (Columba livia) in the urban area of the city of Villavicencio, Meta, during the transition from summer to winter in 2017. Materials and Methods. 72 pigeons from three communes of the city were captured and subjected to visual inspection for external parasites, at the same time, samples of fecal material were obtained for stool analysis using the Sheather’s method. Blood samples were smeared and Giemsa stained for hemotropic agents. Results. Two species of external parasites were found in 100% of the samples: malignant lice (Columbicola columbae) and pigeon fly (Pseudolynchia canariensis). Within the internal parasites, two protozoa were found: Haemoproteus spp. (9/34) in blood smear and Eimeria spp. (26/72) in feces, followed by nematodes: Ascaridia spp. (3/72) and Capillaria spp. (10/72) and cestodes: Raillietina spp. (1/72). No association of parasitism was found with the sex of the pigeon or the sampling commune. Conclusions. The presence of internal parasites was low, except for Eimeria spp., these data represent important information on the potential risk for animal and human health, especially for commercial populations of birds and native avifauna. These results indicate that sanitary and control programs are required in the pigeon populations of the city.