ABSTRACT

A total of 100 domestic pigeons from 10 different districts of Bursa were examined for ectoparasites; 72% of them were found to be infested and 3 species were determined. Goniocotes bidentatus was found in 47% of the pigeons examined, Columbicola columbae in 44% and Menopon gallinae in 1%. Although a higher infestation rate was found in adult pigeons (75.3%) compared to younger pigeons (64.5%), there was no significant difference between the age groups. Also, no statistical differences in the rate of infestation could be found between males (73.3%) and females (70.9%). While the highest infestation rate was observed during the summer months (84%), the lowest infestation rate was observed in spring months (48%).

Keywords: Bursa, Ectoparasite, Domestic pigeon