Invasion of Flukes of the Echinostomatidae Family in Racing Pigeon (Columba liviavar.domestica) Lofts

Abstract

Over 4 years, only two known cases of fluke invasions were diagnosed in racing pigeons ( Columba livia ) originating from different regions of Poland. In both cases, the invasion was characterized by a very high mortality (approximately 70%), and the source of the infestation was snails of the Lymnaeidae family eaten by pigeons. Fluke invasions in pigeons are extremely rare and to date have not been described in Poland. Therefore, the occurrence of the symptoms of hemorrhagic diarrhea and sudden deaths of either adult pigeons or nestlings were suspected to be associated with poisoning. Autopsy revealed an invasion of flukes causing hemorrhagic enteritis. Renal failure and spleen atrophy were also found in the birds. Using molecular biology techniques, infestation with the fluke Echinostoma revolutum was determined in the second case.

Prevalence and diversity of intestinal parasites in household and temple pigeons (Columba livia) in central Nepal

“…Even though the presence of this trematode is a unique finding, the in vivo development of Heterophyes sp., along with another homologous heterophyoid fluke ( Pygidiopsis genata ) had already been confirmed in the pigeons (Mahdy et al., 2020). Both of these species are transmitted by consuming intermediate hosts like snails and fish (Chai & Jung, 2017; Ledwoń et al., 2016), indicating a need for further study on the intestinal parasitic species concerning feeding ecology or diet analysis of the pigeons.…”

“…Intestinal infection, caused by various protozoans and helminths, represents one of the significant health concerns in pigeons around the globe (Abdullahi et al., 2019; Bahrami et al., 2013; Harlin & Wade, 2009; Yousafzai et al., 2021). For instance, high morbidity and mortality followed by coccidiosis (Balicka‐Ramisz & Pilarczyk, 2014; Balicka‐Ramisz et al., 2021; Hunt & O'Grady, 1976; Rodriguez et al., 1997), capillariasis (Muthusami & Gopinath, 2017; Parsani et al., 2014; Pees, 2008; Qamar et al., 2017; Rodriguez et al., 1997), ascariasis (Abdel Rahman et al., 2019; Parsani et al., 2014; Radfar et al., 2012) and echinostomiasis (Ledwoń et al., 2016) in the pigeons have been reported from different landscapes. In addition, infection by parasites has been followed by a secondary infection in the pigeons, indicating its critical role in the consequences on health (Harlin & Wade, 2009).…”