Identificación de endoparásitos en aves columbiformes ubicadas en plazas y parques de la ciudad de Loja.

Columbiformes birds such as rock pigeons (Columba livia) and turtle doves (Zenaida auriculata) are easily adaptable species which can feed on the resources available in their environment and proliferate easily in different settings. Pigeons are beneficial to humans in tourist activities, as ornament and as messenger birds. However, in different cities where they have managed to proliferate successfully, they are also considered a pest since they cause structural and sanitary problems, which include damage of urban facilities, destruction and contamination of food and health issues because they can be reservoirs many pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Among the health problems that may suffer free-ranging Columbiformes birds, parasitic diseases are one of the most frequent, and they can also represent a problem for public health. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to identify endoparasites present in Columbiformes birds in squares and parks in the city of Loja, Ecuador. A total of 166 faecal samples (80 from individuals and 86 environmental samples) and 80 blood smears were taken from pigeons living in squares and parks in Loja such as Plaza San Sebastián, Plaza Santo Domingo, Plaza San Francisco. The faecal samples were analysed by the coprological flotation method, Ziehl-Neelsen staining and the smears by Giemsa staining. The parasites observed were photographed and identified by morphological keys. Of the 166 faecal samples, 132/166 (79.51%) were positive for different gastrointestinal parasitic forms. Of these positive samples, 16.67% (22/132) were positive for nematodes, 100% (132/132) for protozoa and 16.67% (22/132) for mixed infections. Parasite species included: Ascaridia spp. 13.64% (18/132), Capillaria spp. 3.79% (5/132), Eimeria spp. 25% (33/132) and unidentified coccidia 75% (99/132). Of the 80 blood smears, gamonts of hemoparasites such as Haemoproteus spp. were found with a prevalence of 87.50% (70/80). Statistical analysis found no significant relationship between the presence of gastrointestinal parasites and the variables of age and body mass index, but there was a statistical relationship with the localization (p<0.05). In conclusion, a high prevalence of both gastrointestinal and haemoparasites could be determined in free-ranging pigeons in the squares and parks in the city of Loja. Keywords: Haemoparasites, nematodes, protozoa

• Autor Principal: Pardo Lalvay, Aldo Fernando (author)
• Formato: bachelorThesis
• Idioma: spa
• Publicado: 2020
• Subjects: AVES; ENDOPARASITOS; COLUMBIFORMES
• Acceso en liña: https://dspace.unl.edu.ec/jspui/handle/123456789/23675