Parasites of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Sebele,

Domestic and feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are associated with human habitation, often occupying and soiling premises where people work and live9. Pigeons are kept for meat production, racing, as performers and for showing as fancy pigeons. In Botswana, pigeons are kept mainly for meat. Pigeons may be infected with many organisms, some of which are pathogenic to humans9. This preliminary study was carried out with the aim of determining the presence of endo-, ecto- and haemoparasites of pigeons, some of which may be of zoonotic importance