ahmad Investigating of some Ectoparasites species in quail birds in some spread farms in Latakia governorate

Abstract

The species Columbicula columbae is a parasite specialized to pigeons in terms of host, and it is mainly located in the wing region; therefore it is referred to as wing lice. It had not previously been recorded in quail. This study aimed to survey external parasites on quail across four farms in Latakia Governorate, differing in geographic location and climate, and employing different rearing-system (two ground-reared farms and two cage-reared farms). A total of 200 birds were collected during two sampling periods: the first in May and the second in November of 2024, with 100 birds per period. The birds were brought alive to the Poultry Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Latakia, for examination under a microscope. In this study Columbicula columbae was recorded for the first time in quail in Syria. Results showed the highest prevalence in ground-reared farms (27%) over the entire study period, compared with cage-reared farms (9%). The highest prevalence and intensity of infection were recorded at Istamo Farm (ground-reared) during the two periods (36% and 35%) respectively, with moderate intensity of infection. The lowest prevalence and intensity of infection were recorded at Skoubin Farm (caged) during the two periods (4% and 0%, respectively), with very light and no infection intensity in the two periods, respectively. The infection rate was not affected by the geographic location or altitude of the farm, and differences between mountainous and coastal farms were not statistically significant. However, there were statistically significant differences in the numbers of infected males and females between ground-reared and cage-reared farms. The study’s results also indicate that the rearing-system and waste management practices have a substantial impact on the spread of avian lice, particularly Columbicula columbae, since waste accumulation, poor ventilation, and high bird density within a unit provide an environment conducive to parasite proliferation.