Intestinal pathology associated with natural infection of coccidiosis in domestic pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Eimeria species in domestic pigeons and study the gross as well as the microscopic pathology they cause in the intestinal tract of the birds in Makurdi, Benue State. A total of 310 healthy pigeons comprising 171(55.2%) males and 139(44.8%) females; 133(42.9%) were sampled during the dry season and 177(57.1%) were sampled during the wet season from local farmers in Makurdi, Benue State. Faeces from the rectum of each bird were analyzed using the simple flotation method for the detection of Eimeria oocyst. Intestinal gross lesions were noted and intestinal segments were obtained for Histopathological studies. The prevalence of Eimeria species in pigeons of Makurdi was 170/310(54.8%). The infection was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the male Pigeons as compared to the female (p>0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the number of pigeons infected in the wet season as compared with the dry season. Gross lesions revealed hemorrhagic enteritis and from the histopathological sections of the intestine, developmental stages of Eimeria species were seen in the mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis mucosa respectively with necrosis of villi and inflammatory cell infiltration. It was concluded that Since Eimeria species are highly prevalent in domestic pigeons and cause severe intestinal lesions, constant Veterinary surveillance is required to prevent economic losses in the pigeon industry.