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Prevalence and Seasonal Variation of Ectoparasite in Pigeon, Columba Livia (gmelin, 1789) of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Aleya Begum
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Sabrina Sehrin
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A total of 60 pigeons, Columba livia (25 males and 35 females) were examined for ectoparasites. All the birds were infected (100%) by 10 species of ectoparasites. The ectoparasite comprised lice: 60 (100%) Menopon gallinae, 28 (46.66%) Menacanthus stramineus, 43 (71.66%) Colpocephalum turbinatum, 60 (100%) Columbicola columbae, 31 (51.66%) Lipeurus caponis, 19 (31.66%) Goniocotes gallinae, 28 (46.66%) Chelopistes meleagridis; fleas: five (8.33%) Echidnophaga gallinacean; flies: 38 (63.33%) Pseudolynchia canariensis and eight (13.33%) of mites Dermanyssus gallinae. Serious damage was observed in wing feathers (31.74%). The females had a higher intensity (30.11) of infestation than the males (29.04). The ectoparasites were removed from the pigeons throughout the year. The overall intensity of infestation was highest during summer (40.69) and lowest during winter (21.94).

Keywords: Ectoparasites, Pigeon, Prevalence, Intensity, Season.

Location: Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-02-2010

End Date: 00-01-2011

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Pigeon

Objectives:

The present investigation was concentrated on the occurrence of ectoparasite infestation in different organs, sex and seasons of pigeon. The infection status was also recorded.

Methodology:

Sampling area: The sampling was carried out in different areas of Dhaka city. The host was collected on monthly basis at regular intervals. Sampling size and technique: A total of 60 pigeons (25 males and 35 females) were randomly selected from the area under study over one year period from February 2010 to January 2011. Parasitological examinations: Ectoparasites were collected from live hosts by placing them in a large jar with a special lid that permitted the head of the bird to protrude. A filter paper dipped in chloroform was placed at the bottom of the jar. The bird was restrained with its body in the jar for about 20 minutes. During this time many dying parasites detached and fell off. The bird was then removed and placed on a piece of white paper. Different regions of the bird's body was examined for parasites. Care was taken to avoid the intermixing of parasites of one region of the body with those of the other regions. In the birds suspected for infestation with mites, deep scrapings were done by using a scalpel or knife blade and their sites noted. The ectoparasites were counted and preserved in labeled vials containing 70% alcohol and a drop of glycerin (Soulsby 1982 and Loomis 1984). All types of ectoparasites thus collected were categorized. Permanent preparations were made and then the slides were identified on the basis of their morphological characters following Fabiyi (1980) and Soulsby (1982). Data analysis: Prevalence of individual parasite species was calculated as a percentage of the host population that was infested with a specific parasite at a point in time (Thrusfield 1995). Intensity was calculated as the number of parasites per infected birds. Chi squire analysis was used to compare the intensity of parasite infestation between male and female pigeons using the SPSS computer software.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Zool. 39(2): 223-230, 2011

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The present study shows that pigeons have high prevalence of ectoparasite infestation. Parasitic infestation in almost all cases are harmful to their host. Columba livia is infected by arthropod mallophagan ectoparasites when they live in non-hygienic conditions. The ectoparasites are feather eaters and cling to the feather by means of their tarsal curved claws.

Knowledge Management: Journal