Prevalence and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis in domestic pigeons in Henan Province, Central China

Blastocystis is an anaerobic intestinal protozoan parasite found in humans and many kinds of animals that mainly causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and other clinical symptoms. At present, research on the prevalence and subtype diversity of Blastocystis in domestic pigeons is very limited. The purpose of this study was to detect the infection rate and gene subtype distribution of Blastocystis in domestic pigeons in Henan Province, Central China, to provide a foundation for preventing and controlling Blastocystis in domestic pigeons. Fecal DNA was extracted from 504 fresh fecal samples of pigeons collected from 4 areas in Henan Province, Central China. All DNA samples were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and positive samples were sequenced to analyze the gene subtypes based on small ribosomal subunit (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate of Blastocystis in pigeons in Henan Province was 7.7% (39/504). Four subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis were identified including ST1 (2/39, 5.1%), ST3 (16/39, 41.0%), ST4 (1/39, 2.6%) and ST7 (20/39, 51.3%), all of which belonged to zoonotic subtypes, and ST7 was the dominant gene subtype. The results show that Blastocystis infection is common in domestic pigeons in Henan Province, Central China, and the pathogen were zoonotic subtypes. Particular attention should be given to reducing the risk of transmission of Blastocystis from domestic pigeons to humans.

Age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica)

In this study, the age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons were evaluated. Sixty apparently healthy domestic pigeons comprising 30 young (2–7 weeks of age) and 30 adult (>7 weeks of age) were sampled from local breeders. Blood was collected from each bird via brachial venipuncture and divided into 2 parts; one part dispensed into labeled tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as anticoagulant was processed for haematological analyses. The other part was dispensed into labeled plain tubes, serum harvested and processed for serum biochemical analyses. Results revealed overall packed cells volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HGB) and red blood cells (RBC) of 42.97 ± 4.53%, 13.15 ± 1.82 g/dL and 3.63 ± 0.50 × 10¹²/L respectively. All haematological parameters except mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocyte count showed statistical (p < 0.05) differences between young and adult pigeons. Values recorded for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, serum/albumin ratio, urea, creatinine and urea/creatinine ratio were 4.32 ± 0.74 g/dL, 2.07 ± 0.30 g/dL, 2.25 ± 0.74 g/dL, 1.04 ± 0.43, 0.48 ± 0.33 mg/dL, 0.75 ± 0.52 mg/dL and 0.73 ± 0.51 respectively. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in adult (0.62 ± 0.40; 1.04 ± 0.60 mg/dL) compared to young (0.34 ± 0.13; 0.47 ± 0.15 mg/dL) pigeons. This study therefore demonstrated age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons.

Prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal helminths in chicken and pigeons in Aswan, Upper Egypt

There is scarce data available on helminth infection of poultry in the region of Aswan province, Upper Egypt. A total of 276 poultry (156 baladi chickens and 120 domestic pigeons) were collected from different villages in Aswan province to screen the presence of intestinal helminths during the period from April 2016 to March 2017. The current investigation revealed that the overall prevalence was 55.79% (154/276). Additionally, 59.09% baladi chickens had mixed infections with four cestodes and three nematodes. Among cestodes, Raillietina tetragona was the most prevalent species (16.02%) followed by Raillietina echinobothrida (10.98%), Cotugnia digonopora (6.41%), and Raillietina cesticillus (1.28%). The most prevalent nematodal species were Heterakis gallinarum (15.38%), Ascaridia galli (8.97%), and Subulura brumpti (1.28%). In pigeons, 52.5% were found to be infected by four cestodes: Raillietina echinobothrida (22.5%), Cotugnia digonopora (13.33%), Raillietina tetragona (9.16%), and Raillietina cesticillus (3.33%) as well as one species of nematodes, Ascaridia columbae (9.16%). There was a close relationship between the occurrence of intestinal helminths and the age of domestic birds revealing that the high prevalence was found in adults rather than young birds. Meanwhile, it has been found that the highest prevalence was found in summer, while the lowest infection rate was recorded in winter. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of the parasites on the health and productivity of poultry in such area.

Identification of a novel aviadenovirus, designated pigeon adenovirus 2 in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

The young pigeon disease syndrome (YPDS) affects mainly young pigeons of less than one year of age and leads to crop stasis, vomitus, diarrhea, anorexia and occasionally death. This disease is internationally a major health problem because of its seasonal appearance during competitions such as homing pigeon races or exhibitions of ornamental birds. While the etiology of YPDS is still unclear, adenoviruses are frequently discussed as potential causative agents. Electron microscopy of feces from a YPDS outbreak revealed massive shedding of adenovirus-like particles. Whole genome sequencing of this sample identified a novel adenovirus tentatively named pigeon adenovirus 2 (PiAdV-2). Phylogenetic and comparative genome analysis suggest PiAdV-2 to belong to a new species within the genus Aviadenovirus, for which we propose the name Pigeon aviadenovirus B. The PiAdV-2 genome shares 54.9% nucleotide sequence identity with pigeon adenovirus 1 (PiAdV-1). In a screening of further YPDS-affected flocks two variants of PiAdV-2 (variant A and B) were detected which shared 97.6% nucleotide identity of partial polymerase sequences, but only 79.7% nucleotide identity of partial hexon sequences. The distribution of both PiAdV-2 variants was further investigated in fecal samples collected between 2008 and 2015 from healthy or YPDS-affected racing pigeons of different lofts. Independent of their health status, approximately 20% of young and 13% of adult pigeon flocks harbored PiAdV-2 variants. Birds were free of PiAdV-1 or other aviadenoviruses as determined by PCRs targeting the aviadenovirus polymerase or the PiAdV-1 fiber gene, respectively. In conclusion, there is no indication of a correlation between YPDS outbreaks and the presence of PiAdV-2 or other aviadenoviruses, arguing against an causative role in this disease complex.

A First Report of Infestation by Pseudolynchia canariensis in a Herd of Pigeons in Shahrekord (Southwest of Iran)

BACKGROUND

Pigeons (Columba livia) have been kept as pet and reared for food in several countries including Iran. Ectoparasites are regarded as the basic causes of retardation in growth, lowered vitality and poor conditions of the birds. Pseudolynchia canariensis a hippoboscidae fly is one of the important ectoparasites of pigeons and is responsible for the transmission of pathogens to birds and humans same as pathogenic protozoan Haemoproteus columbae.

METHODS

A herd of domestic pigeons contained 50 pigeons in Shahrekord, southwest Iran was evaluated clinically infested by ectoparasites. Ectoparasites were removed. The samples were collected and then referred to the Laboratory of Parasitology of Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.

RESULTS

Usin diagnostic key for diptera fly, these flies were find P. canariensis. This is a rare report of infestation of pigeons herd by P. canariensis in Iran. The infestation rate was 40% that rate of infestation in pipers was more than females and in females was more than males.

CONCLUSION

The rate of infested pipers was more than adults that maybe the less potential of pipers in removing of ectoparasites is reason of this higher rate.

Prevalence of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chickens, domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and turkeys of Kermanshah province, west of Iran

This study was carried out on free-range backyard chickens, domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and turkeys from May 2012 to April 2013 to determine the prevalence and identify the species of ectoparasites in Kermanshah province, west of Iran. Of the total of 600 free-range backyard chickens (185 ♂ and 415 ♀), 700 domestic pigeons (278 ♂ and 422 ♀) and 150 turkeys (53 ♂ and 97 ♀), 389 (64.83 %), 608 (86.85 %) and 54 (36 %) were infected with one or more parasites respectively. Eleven ectoparasites species including five of lice (50.16 % Menacanthus stramineus, 13.66 % Menopon gallinae, 4.83 % Cuclotogaster heterographus, 5.16 % Goniocotes gallinae, 2.33 % Goniodes gigas), three of mites (26.33 % Dermanyssus gallinae, 8.5 % Ornithonyssus bursa, 7 % Cnemidocoptes mutans), one of tick (78.66 % Argas persicus) and two of flea (12.33 % Echidnophaga gallinacea, 2 % Pulex irritans) were found in the backyard chickens. The domestic pigeons were infected with six species of parasites including: Columbicola columbae (61.7 %), M. gallinae (10.43 %), M. stramineus (9 %), D. gallinae (8.28 %), Argas reflexus (74.14 %) and Pseudolynchia canariensis (27.7 %). The ectoparasites species recorded in turkeys were M. gallinae (14 %), M. stramineus (8 %), D. gallinae (12.66 %), C. mutans (6 %), A. persicus (24.66 %) and E. gallinacean (6 %). This is the first survey to determine the prevalence and identify the species of ectoparasites among free-range backyard chicken, domestic pigeons and turkeys in Kermanshah province. The high prevalence rate of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chickens and domestic pigeons indicates that parasitic infection is a common problem in this area.

Prevalence and Rate of Parasitemia of Haemoproteus columbae in Columba Iiviadomesticain Southwest of Iran

BACKGROUND

Parasites affect the health and productivity of birds. Haemoproteus columbae occurs in pigeons widely in tropical and subtropical regions. The present investigation was concentrated on the prevalence of H. columbae and rate of parasitemia in domestic pigeons in southwest of Iran.

METHODS

Pigeons regimented in three groups, less than six months old, between six and twenty four months old and more than twenty four months old.Then stained blood smears were studied for presence of H. columbae and finally rate of parasitemia in every group calculated.

RESULTS

Mature and immature stages of H. columbae gametocytes were found in 24% of blood smears prepared from 100 healthy domestic pigeons. Mean of parasitemia in infected pigeons was 9.58%. Mean size of macrogametocytes was 4μm×15μm and mean size of microgametocytes was 3μm×12μm. Mean of parasitemia in infected females was more than males and pipers. Mean of parasitemia in infected old pigeons (pigeons with more than twenty four months old) was more than pigeons with less than six months old and pigeons between six and twenty four months old.

CONCLUSION

This study show the prevalence and rate of parasitemia in domestic pigeons in southwest of Iran. We should be care about this parasite in pigeons by knowing the prevalence and high risk groups.

Prevalence of parasites and associated risk factors in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and free-range backyard chickens of Sistan region, east of Iran

This study was carried out on free-range backyard chickens and domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) from December 2010 to November 2011 to determine the prevalence, intensity and species of internal and external parasites in Sistan region, east of Iran. Of the total of 59 (27 males and 32 females) free-range backyard chickens and 46 (26 males and 20 females) domestic pigeons inspected, 55 (93.22 %) and 39 (84.78 %) were infected respectively. Ten species of free-range backyard chickens parasites were collected from alimentary canals, body, head and neck, comprising of 3 species of nematodes, 4 species of cestodes and 3 species of ectoparasites as follows: Ascaridia galli (16.94 %), Heterakis gallinarum (23.72 %), Subulura brumpti (67.79 %), Raillietina tetragona (35.59 %), Raillietina echinobothrida (27.11 %), Raillietina cesticillus (15.25 %), Choanotaenia infundibulum (40.67 %), Argas persicus (16.94 %), Menopen gallinae (55.93 %) and Menacanthus stramineus (33.89 %). The domestic pigeons were infected with seven species of parasites including 2 species of nematodes, 2 species of cestodes and 3 species of ectoparasites as follows: Ascaridia colombae (15.21 %), Hadjelia truncata (17.39 %), Raillietina tetragona (26.08 %), Raillietina echinobothrida (28.26 %), Argas reflexus (13.04 %), Menopen gallinae (32.60 %), Columbicola Columba (41.30 %). This is the first survey to determine the prevalence and intensity of parasites among free-range backyard chicken and domestic pigeon species in Sistan region.