Prevalence of Ecto and Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections of Pigeon at Chittagong Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of ecto and gastrointestinal parasitic infections in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Chittagong Metropolitan area, Bangladesh. A total of 100 pigeons were examined for the presence of ecto and gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections. The investigation revealed that the overall prevalence of ecto–parasitic infestation was 67%. Among 6 different ecto–parasites, the highest infestation was caused by Pseudolynchia canariensis (43%). It was also explored that pediculosis was a common problem in the study population where Lipeurus caponis (28%) and Goniodes gallinae (28%) occurred more frequently as compare to Menopon gallinae which constituted the lowest 13%. Further, adult pigeons (86%) were more prone to ecto–parasitic infections in compare to squabs (48%), which was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conversely, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 72% (single or mixed). Among six different species, the highest prevalence was recorded for Ascaridia galli (35%) followed by Capillaria sp infection (22%). Moreover, association between occurrance of gastrointestinal parasitic infections with the stages of the pigeon showed that adults (74%) were more susceptible to GI parasitic infections in compare to squabs (70%) but it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among GI parasites, occurrence of Ascaridia galli (32%) and Capillaria sp infections (26%) were more common in adult pigeon where as Raillietina sp (0%) and Syngamus trachea infections (2%) were less frequent in squabs. Finally, it gave an overall idea about the distribution of ecto and GI parasites in association with stage or age of pigeon. We recommended further extensive study which will ultimately assist to take necessary preventive measures against such diseases