Diagnosis of parasitic and potentially zoonotic viruses in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) in three localities in Colombia.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62059/LatArXiv.preprints.469Keywords:
Rock Dove, RNA-virus, WNV, Gastrointestinal parasites, Haemoparasite, InfluenzaAbstract
Domestic pigeons (Columba livia) are reservoirs of several infectious agents and represent a risk to public health. In Colombia, this introduced species is common in urban areas, where several microbiological studies have been conducted. However, its role in circulating West Nile virus (WNV) and avian influenza (AI) remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of enteroparasites, haemoparasites, and the detection of WNV and AI in feral pigeons captured in Bogotá, Arauca and Aguazul. Faecal samples, blood samples, oral and cloacal swabs were collected from 48 individuals. Parasitological analyses included fresh examination for gastrointestinal parasites and Giemsa staining for haemoparasites. RT-qPCR was used to detect the virus using TaqMan and SYBR-Green. The results indicate the presence of Haemoproteus columbae, together with the presence of several endoparasites, including Eimeria and Blastocystis, among others, in Arauca and Bogota. We discuss the results of molecular testing for potentially zoonotic viruses. Continued active surveillance in synanthropic species such as this one is essential to establish prevention and control strategies in urban contexts, where frequent contact between humans and pigeons may facilitate the transmission of microorganisms.
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