The African Mourning Dove (Streptopelia decipiens), is predominantly distributed in Sub-Sahara Africa. Their interaction with man and domestic and wild birds portends them as potential carrier of parasites, however, there is paucity of information on its parasites and blood biochemical profile. This study therefore investigated the incidence of parasites, haematology and biochemical profiles of Streptopelia decipiens.
A total of 30 Streptopelia decipiens were sampled in Ibadan although the birds were sourced from Northern Nigeria. Brush was used to scour the body of each bird to collect ectoparasites over a plain white-coloured paper while the contents of the gastrointestinal tracts were examined for parasites using the sedimentation method. Blood samples from the birds were analysed for haemoparasites, haematological and serum biochemistry parameters. Data obtained were analysed using percentage.
Out of the 30 birds, 76.67% (23/30) were positive for different parasites: gastrointestinal parasites [Capillaria 33.33% (10/30), Ascaridia 26.67% (8/30), Raillietina 6.67% (2/30), Eimeria 3.33% (1/10), Davainea 3.33% (1/30) and Amoebataenea 3.33% (1/30)] were found in 15 (50%) of the samples, while 16 (64%) were positive for haemoparasites (Plasmodium, 40% (12/30); Leucocytozoon, 24% (7/30) and Haemoproteus, 20% (6/30)). No ectoparasites were found in the sampled birds. There were no significant differences in the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the birds except cholesterol levels. This study showed a high incidence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites in Streptopelia decipiens. Further study on parasite-host interaction of wildlife birds is warranted to determine their possible role in the transmission of diseases to humans and domestic birds.
Key words: African mourning dove, Haematology, Parasites, Serum biochemistry, Wild birds
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