BACKGROUND: Coronaviruses have a wide range of host tropism causing respiratory, enteric and central nervous system diseases in pigs, cats, dogs, rodents, cattle, avian species and human. Coronaviruses undergo genetic mutations and recombination at high rates which make them able to infect a wide range of host species from different geographical locations. According to the possible existence of gammacoronavirus in Iranian bird population including pigeons and lack of information about virus prevalence, isolation and molecular characterization of pigeon coronaviruses are needed. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to detect avian coronavirus in flocks of Tehran province.               METHODS: samples were randomly collected from 25 pigeon flocks of Tehran province (250 tracheal swabs and 250 cloacal swabs, 20 specimens from each flock) between 2014-2015. The viral RNA was extracted from swab samples and RT-PCR reaction was run using the QIAGEN one-step RT-PCR Kit with primers targeting nucleocapsid (N) gene and 3’ untranslated region (3’-UTR) of gammacoronavirus. RESULTS: Gammacoronavirus was detected in one out of 25 (4%) flocks. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study approve the presence of  gammacoronaviruses  in pigeon population and help to complete the map of  epidemiology of the virus in Iran. According to the low prevalence rate of coronavirus in pigeons, samples should be collected from pigeons showing respiratory or enteric signs of disease or from pigeons having contact with other birds or those which are housed near poultry farms.

BACKGROUND: The protozoan Haemoproteus belongs to the Phylum Apicomplexa, Class Sporozoa, and Order Haemosporina. Avian haemosporidian are protozoan parasites that use birds as hosts around the world. Many species of wild and domestic doves are natural hosts of different species of Haemoproteus. Blood-sucking arthropods are the main vectors of these blood parasites.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the microscopic and molecular investigation of the protozoan Haemoproteus columbae in the blood of infected pigeons in Torkaman County, Iran.METHODS: Blood samples and tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant were collected from 96 domestic pigeons randomly from 14 pigeon lofts and different parts of Torkaman County.Pigeons were also inspected for infection with the host-vector Pseudolynchia canariensis. In the next step, blood smears were stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically. Also, blood tubes containing EDTA were tested by PCR method on the cytochrome b gene.RESULTS: Microscopic and molecular examination of peripheral blood showed that 62 (64.58 %) and 73 (76.04 %) of the investigated pigeons were contaminated, respectively. Of the 62 infected pigeons infected with the Haemoproteus, 28 pigeons (66.66 %) were male, and 34 (62.96 %) were female. Also, the infestation with Pseudolynchia canariensis was observed in 4 (28.57 %) pigeon lofts.CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary investigation shows the high rate of Haemoproteus infection in pigeons in Torkaman County. Further studies to determine the prevalence and accurate identification of the species infecting pigeons in this region require PCR testing and sequencing of infected blood samples.

BACKGROUND: The growth and differentiation of skeletal pectoral limb girdle, wing and the ossification centers in these regions after hatching were investigated in pigeons. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the age of physical maturity and radiological and histological assessment of the ossification centers of pectoral limb in quail. METHODS: Fourteen pigeons after hatching were reared in similar and standard conditions and sampled once every 7 to 90 days. RESULTS: According to radiological and histological results, scapula, clavicle, and coracoid were observed after 7th and sternum at 14th day in all specimens. Bones of the humerus, hadius, hlna, hetacarpus II, hetacarpus III, hetacarpus IV, and proximal phalanx of digit III were observed after the 7th  day and radial carpal bone, ulnar carpal bone, proximal phalanx of digit II, distal phalanx of digit II, and distal phalanx of digit III at the 14th  day and head of humerus, ventral tubercle of humerus, phalanx of digit IV, and dorsal tubercle of humerus at 21st and ventral condyle of humerus and dorsal condyle of humerus at 28th. The histological results were evaluated based on prepared tissue sample from the proximal humeral portion. Lack of bone marrow was observed in all 1st day`s tissue samples and bone marrow conformation was commenced after the 7th day. The growth plate was not observed in all the samples and this issue is complementary to the information obtained from radiographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, time taken to complete the ossification process and the formation of all parts of pectoral limb girdle and wing is 28 days after hatching.

BACKGROUND: Pigeons can be carriers for some human and animal pathogens, one of the most important of which is Escherichia coli. OBJECTIVES: This bacterium is responsible for outbreaks of many human diseases. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli in cloacal area of pigeons in Tehran city (Iran), and determine  the prevalence of some virulence genes and also antibiotics resistance pattern of isolates. METHODS: Altogether 117 samples of pigeon feces were collected from cloacal swab. The identification of bacteria was done by culture on differential culture media. Then antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion method. Isolates were tested for the presence of virulence genes stx1, stx2, eae and hlyA using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Escherichia coli were detected in 82.9% of 277 samples from pigeons. Sulfamethoxazole was the least effective drug (85.6% resistance), followed by tetracycline (83.5%). No resistance was detected to co-amoxiclav. The prevalence of stx1, stx2 and eaeA is 3.09%, 6.18% and 2.06% respectively and hlyA was not found in any of isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of stx1 and stx2 distribution in animals and birds is not well understood as yet. Due to the close relationship of humans with birds like pigeons and presence of STEC strains in apparently healthy birds, necessitates  considering  precise regulations to restrict and prevent the prevalence of this life- threatening virus in Iran.

BACKGROUND: FMD is one of the most important animal health problems in the world and is ranked at the top of the list A of potentially epidemic infectious diseases of livestock (OIE). FMD virus infects a wide range of domestic and wild cloven hooved animals and causes clinical signs. The disease is mild zoonotic and 70 wild mammal species from 20 animal families are susceptible to infection. Also, birds are mentioned as transferring agent of FMD virus in several references. OBJECTIVES: The motivation of this study was due to observation of a significant presence of pigeons in FMD involved farms in the epidemic of serotype O2016 in the first months of 2016. METHODS: After hunting of six pigeons gathering food in FMD involved farms, their blood samples were collected. In the laboratory, FMDV genome was traced by RT-PCR with aphtovirus universal primers and final product was sequenced. RESULTS: The 328 bp band indicating a positive result was observed in electrophoresis of all samples. These results were also confirmed in repeated experiments. Then the RT-PCR products were sequenced in both directions. Alignment and BLAST results indicated more than 97% identity of virus from samples with FMD registered viruses in Genebank, demonstrating the presence of FMD virus genome in the blood of the pigeons. CONCLUSIONS: This result indicates FMD virus genome viremia in the blood of pigeons. It is worth noting that pigeons’ infection is very important because this species is a free flight bird and has the possibility of transmitting the virus over long distances, thereby causing new epidemics. Finally, it is necessary for further studies to investigate the possible presence of clinical signs in the pigeons, the possibility of shedding, routs and virus titers of shedding from any of the possible ways.

The present study was aimed to study the comparative anatomy of Pectoral bones in pigeon and conure bird. In both the birds Pectoral bones were composed of Humerus, Radius and ulna, carpals, Carpometacarpus and Digits. Humerus of conure on its medial tuberosity well marked facet was noticed. Bones of forearm in both pigeon and conure were composed of thicker ulna and slender Radius. Carpometacarpus was composed of three bony elements. Digits of both the birds were three in number. Pigeons have strong well developed Pectoral bones and are strongest flyer when compared to that of conure. The anatomical feature of Pectoral bones in pigeon was similar to that of conure but had few variations. 

A three years old male pigeon weighing 400g (racing homer) was presented to Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with the history of soft tissue growth on the keel region for the past six months and gradually increase in size was noticed. Physical examination revealed large tennis ball size soft tissue mass on the keel region. Cytological examination revealed the presence of inflammatory cells with serosanguineous background. Radiological examination revealed presence of soft tissue mass on the keel bone with no bony involvement. Surgical resection of tumour mass was performed under general anaesthesia. Histopathological examination confirmed liposarcoma in a pigeon. The bird recovered uneventfully on 10 th post-operative day without any complications.

The present study was aimed to study the comparative anatomy of Pectoral bones in pigeon and conure bird. In both the birds Pectoral bones were composed of Humerus, Radius and ulna, carpals, Carpometacarpus and Digits. Humerus of conure on its medial tuberosity well marked facet was noticed. Bones of forearm in both pigeon and conure were composed of thicker ulna and slender Radius. Carpometacarpus was composed of three bony elements. Digits of both the birds were three in number. Pigeons have strong well developed Pectoral bones and are strongest flyer when compared to that of conure. The anatomical feature of Pectoral bones in pigeon was similar to that of conure but had few variations. 

A three years old male pigeon weighing 400g (racing homer) was presented to Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with the history of soft tissue growth on the keel region for the past six months and gradually increase in size was noticed. Physical examination revealed large tennis ball size soft tissue mass on the keel region. Cytological examination revealed the presence of inflammatory cells with serosanguineous background. Radiological examination revealed presence of soft tissue mass on the keel bone with no bony involvement. Surgical resection of tumour mass was performed under general anaesthesia. Histopathological examination confirmed liposarcoma in a pigeon. The bird recovered uneventfully on 10 th post-operative day without any complications.

The present study was designed to investigate the sedative anaesthetic activity of a combination of Xylazine (X), Fentanyl (F) and Ketamine (K) in local domestic pigeons. Twelve pigeons of either sex were used. The combination of (X) and (K) were administered as pre-medication to induce sedation. Fiften minutes, after (X+F) administration, (K) was injected. All drugs were injected into the pectoral muscles. The anaesthetic effect of these drugs was reversed by injection of Yohambine (Y) and Naloxone (N) combination subcutaneously. The sedative and anesthetic activity of the (X+F-K) combination and, alterations in heart rate (RR), Respiratory rate (RR) and cloacal temperature (CT) were investigated at 10 minute before (X+F) injection, 10 and 15 minute after (X+F) administration, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 minutes, after (K) injection and at 1, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 60 minutes after (Y+N) injection. The HR, RR and CT of pigeon decreased within 10 minute after (X+F) injection and remained lower until its improvement after (Y-N) injection. The drugs combination used in this study produced a satisfactory general anaesthesia in ten of the twelve pigeons. The (Y-N) combination was an effective reverse that provide safe recovery from this anaesthetic protocol in pigeons.