PREVALENCE OF ECTOPARASITES IN DOMESTIC PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA) IN DIFFERENT CITIES OF GUJARAT.

India is blessed with vast biodiversity and is a home to different native bird species. Out of all birds, domestic pigeons (Columba livia) are most commonly found in and around human localities. Various attractive types of pigeons are also being kept by humans as pets or companion. Hence, basic management practices (housing, feeding, grooming etc.) are important for general healthcare and well-being of pigeons. Diseases and disorders of pigeons are required to be explored considering their close proximity to humans and possibilities of disease transmission. Out of all diseases, ectoparasitic infestations are common in birds; however, their actual prevalence among pigeons kept in city areas is yet to be identified. A study was undertaken between September-2020 to March-2021 to assess prevalence of ectoparasites in 432 pigeons kept by different owners, sellers and at a shelter house in 05 cities of Gujarat state, India (viz., Rajkot, Patan, Ahmedabad, Bharuch and Himmatnagar). Two different lice (viz., Columbicola columbae and Menacanthus spp.), one type of fly (viz., Pseudolynchia spp.) and one type of tick (viz., Argas reflexus) could be observed on pigeons. The overall prevalence of lice infestation, fly infestation and tick infestation in pigeons (N = 432) was 46.46%, 27.55% and 11.34%, respectively. Clinical infestation by two or three different types of ectoparasites was also observed in some pigeons. The results indicate noticeable prevalence and distribution of ectoparasites among pigeons in cities of Gujarat highlighting a need to conduct wide-spread surveys to recognize their health impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]