Infection of Protozoan Parasites Found in Birds in Various regions of District Anantnag with special reference to Haemoproteuscolumbae

Abstract

A total blood films of 150 birds were made from different spots of belonging toFalconiformes,Galliformes,columbiformes,Psithaciformes,PiciformesandPasseiformeswereexamined,Haemoproteuscolumbaewasfound in pigeons (12.2%) sparrows (1%) andMyna (12.50%). Haemoproteuscolumbae is the major protozoan infection reported in pigeon and appeared in the erythrocyte of the peripheral circulation. Incidence and parasitaemia of H.columbae in pigeon was studied in different localities of District Anantnag, using thin blood smear examination. Of the 150 pigeons (wild: 60, domestic: 90), 45 (30%) were found to be infected with H. columbae.Mature and immature gametocyte encircled the erythrocyte nucleus to form a halter shaped appearance were characteristic feature of the parasite. Pseudolynchiacanariensis, the vector for H. columbae was also recovered from beneath the feathers of pigeons.