High Prevalence of Eimeria Infection in Domestic Pigeons(Columba Livia Domestica) in Guangdong Province, Southern China

[Objective] This study aimed to make a survey of domestic pigeons for infection with Eimeria species of coccidia was conducted in Guangdong Province, southern China. [Method] A total of 244 fecal samples(102 from Huizhou, 83 from Jiangmen, 35 from Chaozhou and 24 from Guangzhou, respectively) in four pigeon breeding farms between June 2012 and March2013 were collected and examined microscopically. [Results] Eimeria oocysts were seen in 223(91.4%) fecal samples, with three species, namely E. labbeana, E.columbae and E. kapotei. E. labbeana was the most common species in Guangdong provinces with an overall prevalence of 91.4%, while a slightly lower incidence of E. columbae and E. kapotei species was detected with11.1% and 6.6%, representatively. The prevalence in different months varied ranging from 83.3% to 91.7%, with the highest prevalence in summer. Nestling groups showed obviously high infection than adult pigeons. [Conclusion] The present survey indicated the wide and severe prevalence of Eimeria infection in Guangdong domestic pigeons, which suggested that integrated measures should be taken to control and prevent coccidiosis of pigeons in this province.