Identification of zoonotic agents in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) that inhabit the Simón Bolivar park in the city of Montería

Abstract

The focus of this work is to identify some zoonotic agents in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) that inhabit the Simón Bolívar Park in the city of Montería. The objective of the research is to evaluate the possible health risks associated with the presence of these birds in the park and to propose appropriate prevention measures. Methodology: A visual census of the pigeons was carried out, samples of feces, feathers, and tissues were collected and microbiological analyzes were performed. The presence of zoonotic parasites was evaluated and the environmental conditions of the park were analyzed.Results: in 100% of the samples the following parasites were found: Malophagous lice (Columbicola columbae), pigeon fly (Pseudolynchia canariensis), chewing lice (Menopon gallinae) and bird mite (Ornithonyssus bursa). Internal parasites such as oocysts of Ascaridia spp (40.625%), Capillaria spp (28.13%), Eimeria spp (25%), oocysts of coccidia (18%), Raillietina eggs (16.87%) and Syngamus eggs (14,375). C. neoformans in 23% of the samples. No serum antibodies were detected against Salmonella sp. Conclusions: domestic pigeons (Columba livia) that live in Simón Bolívar Park are highly infected with both external and internal parasites. These findings suggest that pigeons may carry a variety of parasitic infections that could have implications for the health of people who frequent the Park; several of the parasites identified are potential agents of zoonotic diseases, which may represent a health risk. of people who come into contact with birds or their environment.