Argas persicus infestation in domestic pigeons of Kashmir valley – prevalence and pathology
Sheikh Tanveer Salam*1, Showkat Ahamad Wani2 and Fayaz Ahamad Ahanger1
1Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Ganderbal – 191201(India) 2Department of Zoology, S.P College Srinagar – 190001(India) *Corresponding Author: Dr. Sheikh Tanveer Salam, E. mail: sheikhtanveersalam@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The present investigation was designed to have firsthand information of the prevalence of the tick Argas persicus in the domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) of Kashmir valley and the skin pathology associated with the infestation of this tick as it sucks blood from the host. This study was carried out for a period of two years from February 2019 to January 2021. During the study monthly prevalence as well as seasonal prevalence of the tick Argas persicus was recorded and the infested tissue was preserved for histopathological studies. This study clearly reveals high prevalence of the tick infestation during summer season and lowest prevalence during winter season. This study also highlights the extent of damage caused by this tick to the skin of host during their penetration of capitulum inducing profuse local immunological response by the infested tissue in the form of infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells at the infested sites.