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

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Parasitic helminths of pigeons and turkeys are worldwide spread causingmortalities and considerable economic losses. Accordingly, intestinal tracts ofdomestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and domestic turkeys (Meleagrisgallopavo) were examined in Beni-Suef province, Egypt to detect their helminthfauna. A total of 740 intestinal samples from pigeons and 100 from turkeys wereinvestigated during the period from June 2015 to May 2016. The overallprevalence of recovered helminths was 11.76% (87/740) in pigeons. The recoveredspecies were identified as two trematodes, 5 cestodes and 4 nematodes.Digeneans were Brachylaima cribbi (1/740; 0.14%) and unidentified Brachylaimasp. (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. Recoverednematodal 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 recordedtrematodal infection was found in winter. To the best of author's knowledge, adultBrachylaima spp. was first recorded from pigeons in Egypt. Veterinarians andworkers of poultry industry must be aware towards the potential role ofarthropods as vectors of such helminths among both domestic and wild birds.