Histopathologic Study of Intestinal Parasites in Domestic Pigeons (Columba Livia) and Laughing Doves (Streptopelia Senegalensis) in Diyala Provice

Abstract

The present study aims to detect  the infestations by intestinal parasites  in the domestic pigeons (Columba livia) and laughing doves(Streptopelia Senegalensis) and their effects on each other in Diyala province. (50) birds of domestic pigeons(Columba livia) purchased from the local markets  and( 20) laughing doves hunted near the coup of domestic pigeons  are collected in period of November 2020   to February  2021 in different areas in Diyala  province. The birds shows the clinical signs of parasites infestations as normal appetite with low weights, paleness  and emaciation. The droppings examinations under microscope show deferent types of worms eggs and protozoan Oocysts and autopsy applied on dead birds. Results shows the birds infested by round worms Ascaridia galli in rate 32% (16 birds )in domesticated pigeons and 16%(3 birds ) in laughing doves. And tape worms Raillietina tetragona in 26%( 13 birds ) in domesticated pigeons and 25%(6 birds ) in laughing doves. And Eimeria columbarum in 47%( 24 birds )  in domesticated pigeons and 36%(7 birds ) in laughing doves , Capillaria spp 2% (1 birds )in domesticated pigeons and 10%(2 birds ) in laughing doves. the intestinal endothelium tested under histopathologic  lesions to determines the effects of the parasites on it and showed many lesions that appeared increase in thickness of endothelium to sloughing it.  The conclusions of the study showed high ability to the laughing doves to play an important role to transmit the internal parasites to the domesticated pigeons by direct contact between the two species or indirectly by contamination of the coups of pigeons with droppings of doves.