Background: Parasitic infestations are a significant concern in avian species, particularly pigeons, as they serve as hosts for various ecto- and endoparasites, impacting their health and productivity. Limited data is available on the prevalence and impact of these parasites in the district of Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ecto- and endoparasites in domestic pigeons and assess their effects on hematological parameters.
Methods: A total of 150 clinically infected pigeons were examined. Ante-mortem examinations involved visual inspection of the head, neck, wings, body surface, feathers, and cloaca for ectoparasites using a magnifying lens. Endoparasites were identified through hemoparasite screening, coproscopy, and post-mortem examination of the gastrointestinal tract. Hematological parameters, including RBCs, Hb, PCV, and WBCs, were measured and compared between infected and healthy pigeons.
Results: The overall prevalence of ectoparasites was 90%, with Columbicola spp. (80.6%), Lipeurus spp. (59.3%), Menopon spp. (42%), and Goniodes spp. (32.6%) being predominant. Endoparasite prevalence was 75.3%, including Ascaridia spp. (41.3%), Raillietina spp. (38.6%), and Cotugnia spp. (10%). Female pigeons exhibited higher ectoparasite (87.6%) and endoparasite (60%) prevalence than males. Hematological analysis revealed significantly lower RBCs, Hb, and PCV values (P<0.05) and higher WBC counts (P<0.05) in infected pigeons compared to healthy ones. No blood parasites were detected in any of the pigeons.
Conclusions: The study highlights that pigeons in Dera Ismail Khan are heavily infested with ecto- and endoparasites, which significantly impact their hematological health. Effective control measures are essential to mitigate these parasitic infestations and improve pigeon health.