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Research
2.
Prevalence and pathology of Trichomoniasis in free – living urban
pigeons in the city of Mosul, Iraq - Hafidh I. Al- Sadi
and Aws Z. Hamodi
Veterinary World, 2011, 4(1) : 12-14
doi:
10.5455/vetworld.2011.12-14
Abstract
The
present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of
trichomoniasis and its pathology in pigeons. A total of 100
free living urban pigeons were collected during the months
August and September 2007. The overall prevalence was 16%. In
infected pigeons, yellowish – white masses of caseous necrotic
material were seen grossly in the oral cavity, esophagus,
crop, and proventiculus. Pale to yellow necrotic areas were
noted in the liver. Multiple foci of caseous necrosis were
seen microscopically in the oral mucosa together with heavy
infiltration of inflammatory cells (mainly heterophils). Foci
of necrotic inflammation were seen in the liver and there was
thickening of the lining mucosa of the esophagus due to
extensive infiltration of heterophils. Collections of necrotic
material were seen in the mucosa and submucosa of the
esophagus. Infection occurred more frequently in young than in
adult pigeons. A higher prevalence of the infection was noted
in male than in female pigeons. In all of the infected
pigeons, trichomoniasis occurred in the absence of apparent
secondary disease. It was concluded that trichomonad infection
is fairly common in free living urban pigeons in the city of
Mosul, Iraq.
Key words: Free living pigeons, prevalence, pathology,
trichomoniasis, Mosul, Iraq.
