Intestinal helminthic parasites in Columba livia (Columbiformes: Columbidae) in southern Brazil: do seasons influence helminth infections in the Neotropical region?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze intestinal helminthic infections in pigeons Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 (Columbiformes: Columbidae) which were collected in three different seasons in southern Brazil. Material and methods: Ninety birds (hosts) were captured in the urban area in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil, in autumn, winter and spring in 2018 and 2019. Results: Helminths species and their prevalences were: Ascaridia columbae (33.33%), Baruscapillaria obsignata (23.33%) (Nematoda), Brachylaima mazzantii (3.33%) (Digenea), Skrjabinia sp. (11.11%) and Killigrewia sp. (3.33%) (Cestoda). Prevalence and mean intensity of infection in the three collection periods did not show any significant difference, except A. columbae, which was more prevalent in autumn than in spring. Conclusion: Results showed that abiotic and environmental conditions found in the region were suitable for the development of intestinal helminths associated with C. livia in the sampling periods in southern Brazil.