Spp. in C Gmelin, 1789 (Columbiformes: Columbidae) Free-living Pigeons from Urban Areas in Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil

spp. are parasites with zoonotic potential that cause intestinal diseases, generally intense diarrheal, on their hosts, which tend to be immunocompromised. Large populations of pigeons in urban environments can lead to greater human exposure to spp., as this bird is considered a potential reservoir and is able to transmit several pathogens. This study aimed in determining the occurrence of spp. oocysts in feces of free-living pigeons () found in urban areas in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, south of Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 50) were collected from young and adult pigeons captured in different locations in the urban area and the parasitological diagnosis was performed through Ritchie's modified technique and Kinyoun's technique. Among the 50 samples, 18% (IC95% 9.7-30.8) were positive for spp. with a low number of oocysts being detected on fecal smears. Our results confirmed the occurrence of spp. oocysts in feces of free-living pigeons from the urban area of the city of Pelotas. This is the first report of spp. oocysts in feces of pigeons in south Brazil. This data has epidemiological significance because the oocysts could be from zoonotic species, which consequently shows that humans might be exposed to infection.