A SURVEY ON LICE INFESTATIONS OF PIGEONS IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Out of 118 adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia) reared in 5 different pigeon houses/roofs in 4 districts of Istanbul between September 2000 and February 2001. 89.8% were found to be infested with lice. The lice species identified and their infestation rates were as follows: Columbicola columbae (89.8%), Menopon gallinae (3.39%). A total of 664 lice were collected, of which 74.2% were Columbicola columbae and 25.8% Menopon gallinae.