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Full Length
Research Paper
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A study of ecto- and
endo-parasites of domestic pigeons in Morogoro Municipality,
Tanzania
P. L. M. Msoffe1*, A. P.
Muhairwa1, G. H. Chiwanga2 and A. A.
Kassuku3
3Department
of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O.
Box 3019, Chuo Kikuu Morogoro, Tanzania.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
msoffepl@giant.suanet.ac.tz.
Accepted 19 December, 2009 |
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Abstract |
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A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of parasites
of domestic pigeons in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. 100
nestlings and 100 adult pigeons were examined for the
presence of ecto- and endo-parasites. 159 pigeons (79.5%) were
infected with one or more species of gastrointestinal
helminthes, 124 (62%) had one or more ectoparasites and 74
(37%) were infected with haemoparasites. The 3 subfamilies
represented two cestodes and one nematode, whereas no
trematodes were found. Three species of helminthes
Raillietina tetragona (6%), Raillietina
echinobothrida (63%) and Ascaridia galli (15.5%)
were identified. Three different species of ectoparasites (Pseudolynchia
canariensis (61.5%), Menocanthus stramineus
(0.5%) and Menopon gallinae (0.5%), and 1
haemoparasite species Haemoproteus columbae were
identified. Prevalence of gastrointestinal worms was
significantly higher (P < 0.001) in adults than in
nestlings. Nestlings appeared to be less susceptible to
gastrointestinal cestodes but more susceptible to nematodes
compared with adults. P. canariensis were found in
both nestlings and adults pigeons while M. stramineus
and M. gallinae were found in adult only. Prevalence
of ectoparasites was not statistically significant (P < 1)
between the two age groups. The prevalence of H. columbae
was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in adults. Further
studies are recommended in assessing the effects of the
parasites on the pigeons’ health and production.
Key words:
Pigeons, free-range, gastrointestinal helminthiasis,
prevalence. |
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