Control methods of pigeon (Columba livia) populations in urban environment [Emilia-Romagna]
2002
Gazzano, A. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Anatomia, Biochimica e Fisiologia Veterinaria) | Sighieri, C. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Anatomia, Biochimica e Fisiologia Veterinaria) | Longa, A. Della (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Anatomia, Biochimica e Fisiologia Veterinaria) | Martelli, F. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Anatomia, Biochimica e Fisiologia Veterinaria) | Robowiec, R. (Lublin Univ. (Poland). Dept. of Pathophysiology) | Mengozzi, G. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Clinica Veterinaria) | Ducci, M. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Anatomia, Biochimica e Fisiologia Veterinaria) | Niccolini, A.
Urban environment has become an excellent habitat for a wide range of animal species. In Italy, the pigeon (Columba livia) in the last years showed a demographic explosion reaching, in some places, a density of 3,000 animals/square km. Aim of this review is to verify the different methods of demographic control of pigeon populations, with a particular attention to animal welfare. At present, chemical agents reducing pigeon fertility for a long period (4-6 months) have not yet been found. In fact, these drugs should be innocuous, very low toxic, avoiding any side effect in other animal species including humans. Moreover these substances should not alter the pigeon behaviour profile, specially in reproductive and social patterns. Finally, these drugs must not be expensive and with an easy administrating protocol. The 4,4´-dinitrocarbanilide, 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine (nicarbazine) is a cocciodiostatic used in chicken breeding. This substance, at 400-800 ppm, does not cause side effects interfering with the reproductive activity by inhibiting the maturation of eggs triggered by the increase of body temperature raised by enhancing animal metabolism. A recent research made in Modena, Parma and Forlì provinces has showed a reduction of pigeon population by approximately 48% after 8 months of a daily administration. The population reduction interested mainly young animal, confirming a strong impact on the reproductive capacity of this drug. Together, these data are confirming that nicarbazine is the only available pharmacological treatment able to control pigeon populations in urban environment, although daily administration is necessary
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