Occurrence of parasitic invasions in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the Northern Poland

Considering the dynamic development of domestic pigeons breeding in Poland, working out preventive programs for this species of birds becomes necessary. Preventive programs should be elaborated based on epizootic situation in a particular area and should be adapted to it. The aim of the present study was to evaluate of the occurrence of parasitic invasions in domestic pigeons in the Northern Poland. In years 2005/2006, 55 lofts of carrier pigeons and 11 lofts of fancy pigeons were examined. One hundred and three individual dropping samples collected during pigeon exhibitions were also investigated. The study revealed that 56.4% of carrier pigeons lofts and 90.9% of fancy pigeons lofts were infected by coccidia. Ascaridia (A.) columbae was found in 5.5% lofts of carrier and 15.5% of fancy pigeons on the exhibitions. Eggs of Capillaria (C.) obsignata were found in 3.6% carrier pigeons and in 36.4% fancy pigeons lofts. Trichomonas columbae were observed in 61.8% of carrier pigeons and in 100% of fancy pigeons lofts.