Ectoparasites of pigeons at Dakahlia Province and their health hazard effect

Abstract EN

Examination of adult pigeons and squabs in 7 different localities at Dakahlia province for the different ectoparasites revealed that adult pigeons were highly infected with different ectoparasites (82.89%) than squabs (69.10%).

Pseudolynchia canariensis was the most prevalent temporary ectoparasite infecting pigeons where it reached (77.65%) in squabs and (72.38%) in adult.

Adult pigeons were highly infected with lice (87.2%) than squabs (80%).

Several lice species were detected and identified as Columbicola columbae, Menacanthus straminius and Cuclogaster heterographus.

Squabs were more susceptible to be infected with C.

columbae (34.72%) than adult (21.56%).

Mites were found infecting squabs (20%) and adult (21.5%).

The identified mite was Falculifer rostratus.

The experimental trials were carried out to declare the effect of Pseudolynchia canariensis and the lice, Columbicola columbae on general health conditions.

Infection of the experimented squabs with ectoparasites (Pseudolyn- chia canariensis and Columbicola columbae) caused depression, restlessness and nervous symptoms.

The squabs appeared anemic, dull with ruffled feather and showed weight loss.

The lightly infected group was not greatly affected.

The blood picture and some chemical constituents in squabs were studied.

There was reduction in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume of infected groups.

The total leucocytic count, total lipid, AST,ALT and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased, However the total serum proteins were not significantly affected in all infected groups.