The ecto-, gastro-intestinal and haemo-parasites of live pigeons (Columba livia) in Kampala, Uganda.

In a study from October, 1996 to March, 1997, 34 pigeons in three different locations were studied for parasites. The majority of birds in Nakulabye appeared clinically sick, while those within Makerere University and Wandegeya were apparently healthy. Biometric data were taken for each bird and, during the process, ectoparasites were collected. Faecal and blood samples were obtained. The study of ectoparasites revealed that Pseudolynchia canariensis (the 'pigeon fly') was the most prevalent parasite (100%). The louse Columbicola columbae was next in prevalence (94.1%). It is postulated that the pigeon fly transports this parasite. Three lice of economic importance were found: Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus and Chelopistes meleagridis. Cestodes were the only helminths found, occurring in 23.5% of the birds. Identification of the cestodes was not possible. Haemoparasites were mainly of two genera, Haemoproteus and Plasmodium. Haemaproteus was the most prevalent (76.5%). This was possibly due to the high abundance of its vector, P. canariensis.