Abstract

NAUPAY I, Asucena et al. Ectoparasites of Pigeons Columba Livia Traded in a Market of the district of San Martin de Porres, Lima, Peru. Rev. investig. vet. Perú [online]. 2015, vol.26, n.2, pp.259-265. ISSN 1609-9117.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15381/rivep.v26i2.11094.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, average intensity and mean abundance of ectoparasites in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). A total of 29 specimens were analyzed (17 males and 12 females). External surface of head, neck, chest, back and wings were examined, determining that 93.1% (14.9 ± 15.8 of total mean abundance) of pigeons were infected with one or more ectoparasites. All males and 83.3% of females were parasitized. Seven species of ectoparasites were identified, where five correspond to Order Mallophaga (Columbicola columbae [82.8%], Menopon gallinae [48.3%] Goniodes gigas [31%], Menacanthus stramineus [17.2%] and Lipeurus caponis [6.9%]), one to Order Diptera (Pseudolynchia canariensis [10.3%]), and one to Order Siphonapetra (Echidnophaga gallinacea [3.4%]). The largest number of mallophagans was found on the feathers of the wings and chest. Among associations, the monoparasitism was present in 28%, biparasitism in 28%, triparasitism in 34% and tetraparasitism in 3% of the pigeons. C. columbae was the most prevalent ectoparasite (82.8%). Besides, Menacanthus stramineus and Lipeurus caponis are reported for the first time as ectoparasites of Columba livia in Peru

Keywords : ectoparasites; Mallophaga; domestic pigeon; Columba livia; birds.

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