CONCURRENT INFECTIONS OF HEMOPROTOZOANS IN PIGEONS AND ITS SUCCESSFUL CONTROL

Abstract

Concurrent infections of pigeon malaria and avian malaria were detected in pigeons by blood smear examination. The affected birds exhibited symptoms of droopiness, anorexia, weight loss, anaemia and torticollis. Pigeon fly infestation due to Pseudolynchia canariensis, was also noticed in the lofts. Postmortem examination of a dead bird revealed congestion of liver, kidney and intestine along with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Affected birds were treated with parenteral administration of Chloroquine which resulted in complete recovery and clinical cure. The present communication reports a concurrent outbreak of Fig. Schizonts of Plasmodium sp. and gamonts of Haemoproteus columbae in the erythrocytes (arrow) Haemoproteus sp. and Plasmodium sp. infection in pigeons and its successful control.