Ectoparasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Antakya region

Year 2018, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 23 - 27, 24.12.2018

Sibel Elmacıoğlu , Mehmet Yaman , Aykut Zerek , Şerife Akküçük Mustafa Karagöz , İpek Erdem

Abstract

Objective: Besides
the yield loss of the pigeons those are infested with ectoparasites they are
also susceptible against the other infections because of weakened immunity. Thus
it has been evaluated the situation of ectoparasites of domestic pigeons and
determined the prevalance in Antakya region.

Materials and Methods:Totally
100 domestic pigeons (Columba livia
domestica) which are fed for hobby in Antakya region were examined with
respect of ectoparasites. The prevalance of ectoparasites of domestic pigeons
has been determined and identified according to the literature.

Results:The
prevalance of ectoparasites of domestic pigeons was determined as 52% and three
different ectoparasites were detected. Columbicola
columbae was the dominant species with a percentage of 45%, Argas reflexus and Pseudolynchia canariensis were also dedected with a percentage of
5% and 2%, respectively. Despite the higher percentage of infestation in female
pigeons (54,5%) when compared with males (48,9%) and adults (56,9%) when
compared with juveniles (42,9%) no significant difference was found
statistically (p>0.05). But louse infestation of adult pigeons (58,3%) was
significantly higher than the juvenile pigeons (28,5%) statistically
(p<0.05).

Conclusion:The
yield and perfomance loss in domestic pigeons should not be ruled out. Therefore
hygien of shelters and ventilation is crucially important. Ectoparasiter
situation should be monitorized and gotten under controlled.

Keywords

domestic pigeons, Columbicola columbae, Argas reflexus, Pseudolynchia canariensis

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