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.

In this study, we retrieved 42 live third-stage larvae from the crop of an infected squab. This condition is known as myiasis, which occurs due to the infestation of fly larvae belonging to the order Diptera in the tissues. The larvae may affect the storage and digestive functions of the crop in squabs. Here, we report the first case of crop myiasis in a pigeon squab, caused by Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), identified using morphological keys.

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.