Survey of egg per gram (EPG) parasite ovum in pigeon

Clinical signs, para-clinical tests and gross lesion can be used for identification of parasite contamination. In most parasite contamination the clinical signs are not obvious. Thus, para-clinical tests and gross lesion play important roles in identifying parasite disease as all organs of animals such as skin, eyes, kidneys, liver and digestive tube can be affected by the parasites. Consequently, there is a possibility to use the feces of animals in order to observe parasite ovum and larva to identify the disease.This research was conducted from May to September 2011, and the number of 250 faecal samples of pigeon from mixed companion birds keeping in the cages. Faecal samples were examined by direct smear method whereas egg per gram (EPG) was counted by modified McMaster technique and centrifugal flotation method using Sheather’s saturated sugar solution. In this study, Raillietina spp, Tetramers, Sygnamus, Capillaria, Ascaridia colombae and oocyst protozoa, Phthiraptera, Ceratophyllus columbae contamination were studied and the frequency were found to be 24%, 8%, 9%, 14%, 4%, 7%, 8% and 6% respectively. The result of this study and the finding from other studies indicates that pigeons could be less susceptible to mixed infections as compared to chickens.