Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences

Abstract
This study evaluated the occurrence of haemosporidian infections in exotic and indigenous pigeon (Columba livia domestica) populations in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, and also the risk factors associated with the infections. Three hundred pigeons from diverse locations, including live bird markets, breeder households and veterinary hospitals were sampled for the study. Blood samples were collected from each pigeon and examined microscopically. The overall occurrence of haemosporidian infections in the pigeons sampled was 21.0%. Four haemosporidian species were identified in the pigeons: Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Microfilariae species. Haemoproteus had the highest occurrence (10.3%), followed by Plasmodium (5.0%). Co-infections of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium species were also detected (3%). The occurrence of the haemosporidian infections varied based on sampling locations, with veterinary hospitals showing the highest frequency of occurrence. Male pigeons had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher occurrence of infection than females; juveniles had significantly (p = 0.0028) more infection than adults, and exotic pigeons were significantly (p = 0.0004) more infected than the local breeds. The infections were significantly (p < 0.0001) more during the rainy season than the dry season, and clinically sick pigeons were at greater risk (p < 0.0001). Extensively reared pigeons, those in coops/lofts lacking arthropod screening nets, and those in improvised coop/lofts had higher frequency of occurrence. There was a lack of awareness among pigeon enthusiasts, breeders, and vendors regarding haemoparasites in pigeons. There is thus the need for public education to increase awareness of the occurrence of haemoparasites in pigeons.

Keywords: Columba livia domestica; Haemosporidian infections; Maiduguri Nigeria; Occurrence; Pigeons; Risk factors.

How to cite this article:
Lawal JR, Pindar HM, Abadam FA, Ibrahim UI, Biu AA, Hussaini I and Sarki MJ (2024). Occurrence and risk factors for
Haemosporidian infections among pigeon (Columba livia domestica) populations in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Journal of
Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 14(1): 544 – 564.

*Correspondence: E-mail: rabana4real@unimaid.edu.ng Phone: +234 8032886428

Occurrence and risk factors for Haemosporidian infections among pigeon (Columba livia domestica) populations in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Jallailudeen R. Lawal ^{1 *}, Halima M. Pindar ², Falmata A. Abadam ³, Umar I. Ibrahim ¹, Abdullahi A. Biu ², Ibrahim Hussaini ¹ and Maryam J. Sarki ¹
¹Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
²Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
³ Department of Food Science and Technology, Ramat Polytechnic, P.M.B 1070, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.