Survey of egg per gram (EPG) parasite ovum in pigeon

International Journal of Molecular and Clinical Microbiology 1 (2011) 103-106 International Journal of Molecular and Clinical Microbiology Survey of egg per gram (EPG) parasite ovum in pigeon Alimohammad Bahrami1, Ayat Nasrolahi Omran2, Salman Ahmady Asbchin3 , Alizaman Doosti 4, arash bahrami1, Ali Louei Monfared1 1. School of Veterinary Sciences, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran Department of microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Tonkabon branch 3. Department of Microbiology, Ilam University, Ilam Iran 4. Department of Biology, Payam-e Noor University, Ilam, Iran 2. ART ICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history: Received 26 November 2011 Accepted 5 December 2011 Available online 28 Dec 2011 Clinical signs, para-clinical tests and gross lesion can be used for identification of parasite contamination. In most parasite contamination the clinical signs are not obvious. Thus, para-clinical tests and gross lesion play important roles in identifying parasite disease as all organs of animals such as skin, eyes, kidneys, liver and digestive tube can be affected by the parasites. Consequently, there is a possibility to use the feces of animals in order to observe parasite ovum and larva to identify the disease. This research was conducted from May to September 2011, and the number of 250 faecal samples of pigeon from mixed companion birds keeping in the cages. Faecal samples were examined by direct smear method whereas egg per gram (EPG) was counted by modified McMaster technique and centrifugal flotation method using Sheather’s saturated sugar solution. In this study, Raillietina spp, Tetramers, Sygnamus, Capillaria, Ascaridia colombae and oocyst protozoa, Phthiraptera, Ceratophyllus columbae contamination were studied and the frequency were found to be 24%, 8%, 9%, 14%, 4%, 7%, 8% and 6% respectively. The result of this study and the finding from other studies indicates that pigeons could be less susceptible to mixed infections as compared to chickens. Keywords: endoparasite, ectoparasites, ovum, birds, Epedamiology 1. Introduction Poultry industry is the most effective and economical source of animal protein in shortest possible time. Poultry producers are looking for some substitute of chicken meat, which in the future will come in the form of pigeon and quail meat to contribute towards the increase in gross domestic production (GDP) through livestock sector (Basit et Urquhart, 1996). Pigeon are probably one of the most common nuisance birds. Pigeons have adapted to life in the * Corresponding author: Dr. Ali Mohammad Bahrami Address: School of veterinary scinces, Ilam University, Iran, Fax: 00988412224308 Email1: [email protected] city, and they seem to be everywhere in urban environments. Unfortunately, the bird lovers of the world feed them, and they have developed a dependence upon people, thus reinforcing their dependency upon urban areas. They roost on signs, ledges, almost anywhere, and they bring nesting material and leave droppings everywhere. Pigeons can carry or transmit encephalitis, histoplasmosis, Newcastle disease, pigeon ornithosis, cryptococcosis, pigeon coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, pseudo-tuberculosis, and salmonella food poisoning. Pigeons can also carry fleas, ticks, mites, A. Bahrami et al.,/ International Journal of Molecular and Clinical Microbiology 1 (2011) 103-106 104 and other parasites (Balicka-Ramis they are found in almost all climates. They are the most common carrier pigeon pox virus. By keeping Rehman, 1993). our lofts clean, we can eliminate many of the places It was shown that birds harbor ticks, fleas, mites where mites and flies can hide their eggs. The aim and other ectoparasites. The parasite bites an of this study was to investigate the Raillietina spp, infected animal and sucks in blood containing the Tetramers, Sygnamus, Capillaria, Ascaridia germ. When the bug bites, it passes along the germ colombae and oocyst protozoa, Phthiraptera, to the new victim. This occurs because parasites Ceratophyllus columbae contamination in the faecal inject some of their saliva into the host when samples of pigeon. feeding. Over forty types of parasites live either on the birds or in the places they roost. They are 2. Materials and Methods responsible for the transmission of several hundreds viral and bacterial agents. These diseases include This research were conducted because of several plague, encephalitis, pox and meningitis. Control of unofficial reported from different clinic and these parasites is a crucial phase of the bird control veterinary head quarter of the Ilam border line with project. Unless the parasites are exterminated when Iraq, from May to September 2011. The number of the birds are excluded from a site, the mites, fleas 250 faecal pigeon samples from mixed companion and ticks will seek to a new host, often the human birds keeping in the cage with each other was used inhabitants (Balakrishnan and Sorenson, 2007; in this study. Twenty five birds’ specific pathogen Soulsby, 1982). Therefore, a proper bird control free (SPF) were managed in the hygienically project will always include parasite extermination. environment and care was taken to avoid any The most common worms found in pigeons are contamination from outside as control and were roundworms hair worms, stomach wall worms, kept in animal house, school of veterinary sciences, gapeworms, strongly lids and tapeworms. The Ilam University and feed both group with the same symptoms vary with the type of infestation, and ration and ingredient. conceivably pigeons can live with slight infestations The tray at the bottom of the cages were and show no signs of illness. Severe infestations completely washed and disinfected. The fresh generally cause droopiness, loss of weight and faeces were collected (at least 3 grams). Data were diarrhea. Gapeworms can cause breathing collected according to the questionnaire prepared problems. The best way to determine the existence regarding the number of the birds, number of the of worm problem is to check the droppings (Begum deaths, number of the sick birds, and race of the and Sheikh., 1987; Urquhart birds. The samples were immediately tested in David., 2003). laboratory. The most common external parasites that pester our birds are feather lice, red mites, pigeon flies, and 2.1. Diagnostic methods mosquitoes. Feather lice chew up holes into the flights or cause other types of visible damage to the Faecal samples were examined by direct smear feathers. The common red mite can be considered method whereas egg per gram (EPG) was counted as a real problem if it becomes established. It by modified McMaster technique and centrifugal commonly hides somewhere in the loft during the flotation method using Sheather’s saturated sugar day and comes out from its hiding place at night to solution (Soulsby, 1982). The ectoparasites were bite and feed on the blood of the birds. They can collected as described by Soulsby (1982). Briefly help to spread an assortment of diseases. The pigeon after killing the pigeons by anaesthesia, they were fly is probably the most dangerous parasite that can immediately placed in a polythene bag and the attack the birds. It lives most of its life on the parasites were collected. The ectoparasites were pigeons, leaving only to lay its eggs somewhere in preserved for identification purposes in 70% the loft. Pigeon flies bite the birds, causing alcohol. Subcutaneous nodules of each bird were considerable discomfort and may be a major cause fixed in 10% potassium, heated for 20 minutes in a of pigeon malaria. Mosquitoes would have to be jar containing water and the sediments were looked considered the next worst parasite, simply because for parasite. A. Bahrami et al.,/ International Journal of Molecular and Clinical Microbiology 1 (2011) 103-106 3. Results Out of 250 sample, 198 were positive with parasitic infection at lest with one of the parasites and 34% were carrying multiple infection. Symptoms of worms consist of weight loss and in the case of sever multiple worm infestation diarrhea were seen in the pigeon. Infected young birds grow slower. The parasites have been identified in this study consisted of Raillietina spp, Capillaria, Tetramers, Ascaris, Sygnamus, oocyst protozoa, Phthiraptera, Ceratophyllus columbae. The prevalence of parasitic infection in pigeon has been shown in table 1. In this study, the birds above two years (32%) show more resistance against worms’ infestation than young birds below two years (68%). The maximum and minimum environmental temperature of the area was set to 32 oC and 43oC and the maximum humidity was 6%. Table 1: Types of parasite ovum in pigeon faeces parasite Percent Raillietina spp 24% Capillaria 14% Tetramers %8 Ascaridia colombae 4% Sygnamus 9% Oocyste 7% Phthiraptera 8% Ceratophyllus columbae 6% Multiple infection 20% 4. Discussion Balicka-Ramisz (2007) and colleagues have worked on intestinal parasitic species, composition, prevalence and intensity of infection in selected parrots and reported the samples of budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus (n=36), cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus (n=21), grey parrots Psittacus erithacus (n=18), eastern rosella Platycercus eximius (n=10) and Senegal parrots Poicephalus senegalus (n=10) using the WillisSchlaff and McMaster's methods and they found protozoa (Isosporidae and Eimeriidae) and nematodes (Ascarididae, Capillaridae and 105 Heterakidae) in the tested samples. Coccidian oocysts were detected in all examined parrots. Three species of parrots were infected with the nematodes, but only Ascaridia platycerci was present in these hosts (Balicka-Ramisz et al., 2007). The parasites have been identified in this research were Raea Tenia, Capillaria, Tetramers, Ascaris, Sygnamus, oocysts. The obtained results show that introduction of parasitological prophylaxis programs may be necessary, especially in the larger birds' farming and zoological shops. In this study we collected ectoparasites included of feather lice (Phthiraptera) and pigeon fleas (Ceratophyllus columbae). In a study carried out by Balakrishnan and Sorenson brood parasitic birds offer a unique opportunity to examine the ecological and evolutionary determinants of host associations in avian feather lice (Phthiraptera). Brood parasitic behaviour effectively eliminates vertical transfer of lice between parasitic parents and offspring at the nest, while at the same time providing an opportunity for lice associated with the hosts of brood parasites to colonize the brood parasites as well (Balakrishnan and Sorenson, 2007). Thus, the biology of brood parasitism allows a test of the relative roles of host specialization and dispersal ecology in determining the host-parasite associations of birds and lice. If the opportunity for dispersal is the primary determinant of louse distributions, then brood parasites and their hosts should have similar louse faunas. In contrast, if host-specific adaptations limit colonization ability, lice associated with the hosts of brood parasites may be unable to persist on the brood parasites despite having an opportunity for colonization. Balakrishnan reported lice on four brood parasitic finch species (genus Vidua). The molecular phylogeny showed that lice infesting the two avian groups belong to two distinct clades within Brueelia. Likewise, distinct louse lineages within the amblyceran genus Myrsidea were found on estrildid finches and the parasitic pin-tailed whydah (Vidua macroura), respectively. Although common on estrildid finches, Myrsidea lice were entirely absent from the brood parasitic indigo birds. The distribution and relationships of louse species on brood parasitic finches and their hosts suggest that host-specific adaptations constrain the ability of lice to colonize new hosts, at least those that are distantly related. A. Bahrami et al.,/ International Journal of Molecular and Clinical Microbiology 1 (2011) 103-106 106 University. We thank student of parasitology Haag wackermagel (2004) has reported Department and Arash Bahrami who assisted with concerns a married couple who were repeatedly various aspects of this research including field invaded by pigeon fleas (Ceratophyllus columbae) work, data collection, data entry, and experimental over a period of 2 months. The source of the fleas data management. was a pair of breeding feral pigeons (Columba livia). The birds' nest was located in the attic immediately above the couple's apartment, and the References fleas found their way along an unsealed heating pipe. The people encountered up to 40 bites per Balakrishnan, C.N., and Sorenson, M.D. 2007. Dispersal night. With invasions repeated almost every night, ecology versus host: specialization as determinants of ectoparasite distribution in brood parasitic indigobirds and the man gradually developed an allergic urticarial their estrildid finch hosts. Molecular Ecology, 16(1): 217reaction. The most traumatic experience for the 229. couple, however, was to learn that they were Balicka-Ramisz, A., Tomza-Marciniak, A., Pilarczyk, B., invaded by fleas (initially, they had presumed they Wieczorek-Dabrowska, M., Bakowska, M., 2007. Wiad were bothered by mosquitoes). This information Parazytol. Intestinal parasites of parrots, 53(2):129-32. resulted in severe psychological distress with phobic Basit, M.T., Pervez, K., Avais, M., and Rabbani, I., 2006. reactions and insomnia. Despite the successful Prevalence and chemotherapy of nematodes infestation in removal of the fleas and the pigeons that were wild and domestic pigeon and its effects on various blood source of the pest, parasitophobia of the man components. J. Anim. Pl. Sci. 16(1-2). persisted over the following 4 months. This case is Begum, N.J., and Sheikh, H., 1987. Prevalence of helminth discussed from the broader aspect of health risks parasites of pigeons (Columba livia).Bangladesh, Vet. J., related to feral pigeons and animal fleas. 21(3-4):89-93. 5. Conclusion David, C.T., 2003. Pigeon Health and Disease, Lawa state university press, Ames. Iowa, USA. Clean, sanitary lofts are most beneficial to keeping worms in check, but since pigeons often mingle with many hundreds of other birds, a bird can become infested through ingestion of worm eggs from the basket or through contact with stray pigeons. Therefore, it is advisable to develop a preventative worming program in which all birds are wormed at least twice a year. The result of this study and the finding from other studies indicates that pigeons could be less susceptible to mixed infections as compared to chickens. Haag Wackernagel, D., and Spiewak, R., 2004. Human infestation by pigeon fleas (Ceratophyllus columbae) from feral pigeons. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine AAEM, 11(2): 343-6. Acknowledgments This work was supported, in part, with grants from the research administrative Committee Ilam Kulisic, Z., 1988. Endoparasite fauna of pigeons (Columba livia) as detected in the city of Belgrade. Acta. Vet. Belgrade, 38 (1): 37-42. Rehman, R., 1993. A study on the prevalence of Ascaridia galli and the effects of experimental infection on various blood parameters and body weight in the chicken. M.Sc. (Hons) Thesis, Univ. of Agric. (CVS), Faisalabad-Pakistan. Soulsby, E.J.L., 1982. Helminths, arthropods and protozoa of domesticated animals. 7th edition Bailliere tindall, London. 630-637, 654. Urquhart, G.M., 1996. Veterinary Parasitology, 1st. Ed., ELBS, Longman House, Burnt Mill, Harlow, England. 256-257.