engleski

An epidemiologic study of Chlamydia sp. in feral pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica)

Antibodies to Cblamydia sp., using CF test, were found in 435 of 912 (47.70 %) pigeons examined from 1988 till 1993. The pigeons originated from two ecosystems, i. e feral pigeons from the city of Zagreb and calf feedlot. Of 834 feral pigeons, antibodies to Chlamydia sp. were detected in 49.16 % of birds. Feral pigeons were caught in various city areas, e.g., market-places, ZOO park and industry plants. The highest proportion of seropositive feral pigeons originated from the ZOO area (63.38 %). Pathological and histhopathological examination revealed organ changes, e.g., spleen enlargement, liver degeneration, enteritis, opacified air sacs, and fibrinous pericarditis, indicative of chlamydiosis. Enlarged spleen was found in the pigeons with antibody titers of 1:32, 1:64 and 1:128. Fibrinous pericarditis was found on dissection in a pigeon with antibody titer of 1:128. Seasonal follow-up of antibody titer revealed that the proportion of seropositive birds is highest in spring (54.88 %) and winter (53.51 %), and lowest in summer. During spring and winter, elevated antibody titer was also recorded. In ringed pigeons, antibody titer was followed up on two or three occasions, showing titer changes to occur in 14 days at the earliest, and most commonly between day 35 and 92.

epidemiologic; Chlamydia; feral pigeon;

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