Étude de la prévalence des parasites gastro-intestinaux et des hémoparasites chez le pigeon biset (Columba livia) en milieu urbain dans la région de Sétif

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and blood parasites in urban pigeons (Columba livia) in the Setif region and to characterize the histopathological lesions associated with gastrointestinal parasitism. Between March and May 2026, a total of 55 pigeons were subjected to coprological examinations using standardized parasitological techniques for the detection of gastrointestinal protozoa and helminths. The results revealed an overall parasitic prevalence of 50.91% (28/55). Protozoan infections were predominant, with a prevalence of 36.36% (20/55), compared with 29.09% (16/55) for helminth infections. Among the identified species, Eimeria spp. was the most prevalent (36.36%; 20/55), followed by Raillietina spp. (27.27%; 15/55), Capillaria spp. (5.45%; 3/55), and Ascaridia sp. (3.64%; 2/55). The analysis of infection patterns showed that mixed infections accounted for 18.18% of cases. Histopathological examination, performed on intestinal samples from three selected pigeons, revealed chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate in two pigeons. In the third individual, this inflammatory reaction was associated with the presence of eosinophils. These findings are consistent with parasitic-induced intestinal lesions. Furthermore, among the 18 blood smears examined for the detection of Haemoproteus columbae, 9 were positive, corresponding to a prevalence of 50%. This study highlights a considerable diversity of parasitic species in urban pigeons from the Setif region, emphasizing their potential role as parasite reservoirs and the health risks they may pose to other animal species.