Study of the Intestinal Protozoan in some Local Chickens (Gallus domesticus) and Pigeons (Columba livia domesticus) in Misurata, Libya

Parasitic diseases rank among the primary limitations to poultry production. Among the intestinal protozoan infections, particularly those caused by Eimeria species and Entamoeba spp. are frequently encountered in domestic fowl. This study investigated the prevalence and morphological characteristics of intestinal protozoan parasites in local chickens (Gallus domesticus) and domesticated pigeons (Columba livia). A total of 151 birds were examined, consisting of 100 local chickens and 51 pigeons, which were collected from various random markets in Misurata. A total of 64 birds (42.4%) were infected. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in local chickens (51, 79.7%) than in domesticated pigeons (13, 20.3%). The protozoan species differed between local chickens and pigeons. In local chickens, Entamoeba cysts (70.6%) were the most common infection, followed by coccidian oocysts at 29.4%. In pigeons, coccidian oocysts (77%) were more prevalent than Entamoeba cysts (23%). By sex, there were significant differences in infection rates (P