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Caged young pigeons mortality by Coleoptera larvae
Adele Magliano1, Jiri Hava, Andrea Di Giulio
1Istituto Zoopro lattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana 'M. Aleandri', Roma, Italy.
Veterinaria Italiana
|May 22, 2017
Summary
Bird nestling deaths in Italy were linked to parasitic beetle larvae, specifically Dermestes bicolor and Alphitobius diaperinus. These insects can cause significant skin damage and blood loss in young birds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Dermestidae and Tenebrionidae beetle larvae are common in bird nests and poultry farms.
- Larvae can transition from scavenging to parasitic behavior, feeding on nestling skin and feathers, causing injury and blood loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of pigeon nestling mortality in Italy attributed to parasitic Dermestidae and Tenebrionidae larvae.
Main Methods:
- Post-mortem examination of deceased pigeon nestlings.
- Morphological identification of collected beetle larvae.
- Bacteriological examination of internal organs.
Main Results:
- A pigeon nestling exhibited a cloacal hole with bleeding, consistent with parasitic attack.
- Four Dermestes bicolor larvae and one Alphitobius diaperinus larva were recovered.
- Escherichia coli was detected in lung samples.
Conclusions:
- This study documents the first instance of pigeon nestling mortality in Italy caused by Dermestes and Alphitobius beetle larvae acting as parasites.
- The findings highlight the potential predatory/parasitic role of these insects on young birds, leading to fatal outcomes.
