Distribution pattern of intestinal helminths in domesticpigeons (Columba livia domestica) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Beni-Suef province, Egypt

Parasitic helminths of pigeons and turkeys are worldwide spread causing mortalities and considerable economic losses. Accordingly, intestinal tracts of omestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and domestic turkeys (Meleagris allopavo) were examined in Beni-Suef province, Egypt to detect their helminth fauna. A total of 740 intestinal samples from pigeons and 100 from turkeys were investigated during the period from June 2015 to May 2016. The overall prevalence of recovered helminths was 11.76% (87/740) in pigeons. The recovered species were identified as two trematodes, 5 cestodes and 4 nematodes. Digeneans were Brachylaima cribbi (1/740; 0.14%) and unidentified Brachylaima sp. (0.14%). Cestodal species were identified as Raillietina echinobothrida (33/740; 4.46%), Raillietina cesticillus (7/740; 0.95%), Raillietina tetragona (7/740; 0.95%), Cotugnia digonopora (5/740; 0.68%) and Hymenolepis carioca (2/740; 0.27%). Among cestodes, R. echinobothrida was the most predominant one. Recovered nematodal species were Ascaridia columbae (22/740; 3%), Subulura brumpti (6/740; 0.81%), Heterakis gallinarum (3/740; 0.41%) and Capillaria spp. (2/740; 0.27%). Ascaridia dissimilis was the only helminth species detected in turkeys (6/100; 6%). The highest prevalence of infection was seen in winter and summer. Tapeworms and round worms were highly prevalent at the summer. The recorded trematodal infection was found in winter. To the best of author's knowledge, adult Brachylaima spp. was first recorded from pigeons in Egypt. Veterinarians and workers of poultry industry must be aware towards the potential role of arthropods as vectors of such helminths among both domestic and wild birds.