first report of acute ascariasis due to ascaridia galli in pigeons of the central desert region

Ascaridia galli is the largest gut-dwelling nematode in birds, adversely affecting meat and egg production. both adult and immature parasites affect gut health, but this worm play a major role in pathology and even cause the death of birds. the study investigated the presence of acute ascaridosis in a pigeon. in this study, a pet pigeon in poor overall condition from ardakan in the central desert was referred to the parasitology laboratory at ardakan university. this pigeon, displaying clinical symptoms of emaciation, weakness, constipation, irritability, and malaise, received care for one day. since the recovery process was not observed, the bird was euthanized. the first stage examined the body s external surface, then dissected and examined the internal organs, and then the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, intestines, liver, heart, and lungs were investigated separately. no external parasites were observed on the body surface. in the necropsy, only severe swelling of the intestines and hardness of the intestinal tissue were observed. after opening the intestines, about 113 nematodes filled the intestinal lumen, and intestinal obstruction was observed. nematodes were diagnosed based on the soulsby (1982) diagnostic key of ascaridia galli. this study reports the first case of acute ascariasis caused by ascaridia galli in domestic pigeons in the ardakan region. given the arid conditions of the central desert areas, further investigation into the presence of this parasite is warranted. understanding the dynamics of host-parasite interactions in such arid environments can provide insights into the adaptability of this parasite and its potential impacts on avian health.