Incidence of Cestode Parasites and Assessment of Histopathological Alterations in the Intestine of Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in District Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

The avian species are severely harmed by helminth parasites. Many of the parasites infected them via habitats, feeding habits, or by a few infected birds that coexist with them. Objective: To examine histological alterations caused by cestode parasites in the pigeon’s intestines in the district of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: One hundred (100) domestic pigeons (Columba Livia domestica) were used after that pigeons were dissected and their intestines were excised. Under the dissecting microscope and magnifying glass various parts of the intestine were examined to see the presence of the cestode parasites. The (H & E) staining method was applied for histological study. Results: The cestode parasites that infected the pigeons were identified as Choanotenia infundibulum, Raillietina cesticillus, and Cotugnia digonopora. Infected Pigeons had diarrhea, weakness, emaciation, and stunted development. Histopathological alterations in the intestine of pigeons caused by Cotugnia digonopora have disfigured the villus and glands. The intestinal architecture was destroyed, villi degraded, the muscle layer had holes, and glands were distorted by Raillietina cesticillus and Choanotenia infundibulum, respectively. Conclusions: This research revealed that the pigeon’s intestine was infected with cestode parasites and had notable histological alterations as compared to non-infected pigeons. It is concluded that this study will help out in the documentation of specific parasite species and also provide a valuable understanding of the pathogenesis of infections in birds.