Prevalence and Haematobiochemical Changes Associated with Haemoparasitic Infection of Indigenous Pigeons (<i>Columba livia</i>) sold in Ibadan Market, Nigeria

Abstract

Domestic pigeons are typically regarded as global birds and are great producers of meat and eggs. The presence of haemoparasites in  birds causes serious health problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of blood parasites and their impact on  the haematological and biochemical profiles of pigeons in Nigeria. A total of 105 adult pigeon were randomly selected and purchased  from Shasha, Bode and Molete live bird market in Ibadan. The screening for haemoparasites was done using a microscopic examination.  The haematological parameters such as haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell and total white blood cell counts  were determined using haemocytometry. Spectrophotometry was also used to determine serum biochemicals such as albumin, aspartate  aminotransferase, total protein, creatinine, glucose and blood urea nitrogen. The sampled pigeons had a 26% overall  prevalence of haemoparasites, Single infection (Leucocytozoon spp (7.7%), Plasmodium spp (23.1%) and Haemoproteus spp (15.4%)) and  Mixed infection (Leucocytozoon spp, Plasmodium spp and Haemoproteus spp (19.2%), Plasmodium spp and Haemoproteus spp (34.6%)). The  haematological findings demonstrated a significant rise in heterophil, eosinophil, and monocyte of infected pigeons (p ≤ 0.05). According  to the serum biochemical results, the levels of globulin, Aspartate transferase, Alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and Blood Urea  Nitrogen in infected pigeons had increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05). The prevalence of haemoparasites and their impact on blood  parameters revealed their devastating effect on the avian hosts' immune systems, which makes parasitism on birds frequently have  serious consequences. Therefore, it is advised that households in Ibadan, Nigeria, raising domestic pigeons implement vector control and prophylactic treatment.