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<p>This study aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in rock pigeons (<i>Columba livia</i>) across three agro-ecological zones in Punjab, Pakistan, and to assess the influence of host and environmental factors on infestation rates. From February 2017 to January 2019, 120 rock pigeons were captured using mist nets from 10 districts representing hyper-arid, arid, and semi-arid zones. Rock pigeons were categorized by age (younger: &lt;1 year; older: ≥1 year), sex, physical status, and season of sampling. Gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminths and protozoa, and parasites were identified to species level. Associations between prevalence and variables were analyzed using chi-square tests (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Overall, 86.7% (104/120) of pigeons were infested with parasites belonging to four families and fourteen species, including <i>Ascaridia columbae</i>, <i>Capillaria caudinflata</i>, and <i>Eimeria columbae</i>. Prevalence was higher in arid (90.5%) and semi-arid (88.4%) zones than in the hyper-arid zone (80.0%). Female pigeons (90.7%) had higher infestation rates than males (81.8%), and older birds were more frequently infested than younger ones. Seasonal peaks occurred in summer (92.5%) and winter (90.0%). The high prevalence of diverse GI parasites in rock pigeons indicates potential risks for pathogen transmission to humans, domestic poultry, and wild birds. Findings highlight the need for integrated parasite control strategies and public awareness campaigns to mitigate zoonotic threats.</p>

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Prevalence of intestinal parasites of rock pigeon (Columba livia) from three agro-ecological zones in Punjab, Pakistan

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月1日

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  • Muhammad Tayyub,
  • Muhammad Jahangeer,
  • Zia UL Rehman

摘要

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in rock pigeons (Columba livia) across three agro-ecological zones in Punjab, Pakistan, and to assess the influence of host and environmental factors on infestation rates. From February 2017 to January 2019, 120 rock pigeons were captured using mist nets from 10 districts representing hyper-arid, arid, and semi-arid zones. Rock pigeons were categorized by age (younger: <1 year; older: ≥1 year), sex, physical status, and season of sampling. Gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminths and protozoa, and parasites were identified to species level. Associations between prevalence and variables were analyzed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Overall, 86.7% (104/120) of pigeons were infested with parasites belonging to four families and fourteen species, including Ascaridia columbae, Capillaria caudinflata, and Eimeria columbae. Prevalence was higher in arid (90.5%) and semi-arid (88.4%) zones than in the hyper-arid zone (80.0%). Female pigeons (90.7%) had higher infestation rates than males (81.8%), and older birds were more frequently infested than younger ones. Seasonal peaks occurred in summer (92.5%) and winter (90.0%). The high prevalence of diverse GI parasites in rock pigeons indicates potential risks for pathogen transmission to humans, domestic poultry, and wild birds. Findings highlight the need for integrated parasite control strategies and public awareness campaigns to mitigate zoonotic threats.