An Investigation into the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Pigeons from Zabol, Iran

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.32592/ARI.2024.79.5.949

Abstract

A variety of intestinal parasites, including nematodes and cestodes, can be found in pigeons kept for entertainment or competition. Birds, as well as native wildlife and humans, are susceptible to infection by these worms. This study aims to assess pigeon helminth infections in Zabol County, Iran, and develop strategies for prevention and treatment. The gastrointestinal tracts of 220 pigeons were examined between 2021 and 2022. The pigeons were categorized according to gender, breed, age, medication, and feed type. The digestive tract contents were scraped and washed with warm water while collecting intestinal helminths. Various methods were used to isolate, observe, and identify nematodes and cestodes. The parasites around the esophageal tissue were also examined in this study. 96 positive cases of helminth infection (43.63%) were found in 220 samples of pigeon gastrointestinal tracts. In addition, 52 pigeons had exclusive cestode infections, 14 had nematode infections, and 31 had co-infections. Heterakis gallinarum (H. gallinarum), Eulimdana clava (E. clava), Hadjelia truncate (H. truncate), and Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) were among the nematodes found. Cestode species identified include Raillietina tetragona (R. tetragona), Raillietina echinobothrida (R. echinobothrida), Raillietina cesticillus (R. cesticillus), Raillietina magninumida (R. magninumida), and Cotugnia digonopora (C. digonopora). An analysis of the statistical data revealed a significant correlation between helminth infection and drug consumption (p=0.001). Infection with nematodes and cestodes is also related to pigeon age (p=0.00001). There was a noteworthy prevalence of cestode and nematode infestations in pigeons in Zabol, Iran, despite the hot and dry conditions. A comprehensive control program is essential to prevent parasite transmission to pigeons and the local avian ecosystem.

Keywords

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References

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Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 79, Issue 5
September and October 2024
Pages 949-954

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