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Research Journal of Parasitology

Year: 2008 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 79-84
DOI: 10.17311/jp.2008.79.84
Ectoparasites of Domestic Pigeon(Columba livia domestica, Linnaeus) in Zaria, Nigeria
K.L. Adang, S.J. Oniye, A.U. Ezealor, P.A. Abdu and O.J. Ajanusi

Abstract: A total of 240 (127 males and 113 females) domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica Linnaeus) purchased from Samaru and Sabon-Gari markets in Zaria, were examined by plumage brushing for ectoparasites. One hundred and seventy-seven (73.8%) of the birds were infested by five species of ectoparasites. The ectoparasites comprised lice: 15 (6.3%) Menopon gallinae, 153 (63.8%) Columbicola columbae and 26 (10.8%) Goniodes sp.; flies: 89 (37.1) Pseudolynchia canariensis and 6 (2.5%) of mites (Dermanyssus gallinae). Seventy-four (30.8%) of the domestic birds had single infestation, 95 (39.6%) had double infestation and 7 (2.9%) had triple infestation. The difference between single and mixed infestation was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The females had a higher prevalence 84 (74.3%) than the males 93 (73.2%). There was however no significant difference (p>0.05) in the infestation rates between the sexes. Ectoparasites were removed from the birds through out the year with highest prevalence (95%) in August. Columbicola columbae and Pseudolynchia canariensis were collected through out the year.

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How to cite this article
K.L. Adang, S.J. Oniye, A.U. Ezealor, P.A. Abdu and O.J. Ajanusi, 2008. Ectoparasites of Domestic Pigeon(Columba livia domestica, Linnaeus) in Zaria, Nigeria. Research Journal of Parasitology, 3: 79-84.

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