Abstract: To determine the pathogens responsible for diarrhea at a large-scale pigeon farm in Guangdong Province，this study diagnosed Cryptosporidium infection in affected pigeons using morphological identification， molecular techniques，phylogenetic analysis，and histopathological evaluation. The results confirmed infection with Cryptosporidium meleagridis （C. meleagridis），with an overall prevalence of 43.75% （7/16）. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic lesions，infiltration in the lamina propria of the ileum.. C. meleagridis is recognized as the third most common zoonotic Cryptosporidium species after C. parvum，highlighting its public health relevance. This study offers novel insights into the pathogenic causes of diarrhea in pigeons and provides critical data to support the scientific prevention and control of cryptosporidiosis in pigeon farming operations. Furthermore，the findings highlight the potential risk of fecal ? oral and waterborne transmission of this pathogen，emphasizing the need for developing effective strategies to mitigate its spread and ensure public health safety.

Key words: C. meleagridis, Zoonosis, Characteristics, Control measures

摘要： 为了解广东某规模化鸽场腹泻发生的诱导性因素，该研究通过形态学鉴定、分子生 物学鉴定、种系发育分析及病理组织学分析对腹泻鸽群进行禽隐孢子虫感染特征分析。结果 显示腹泻鸽群存在禽隐孢子虫感染，感染种类经鉴定为火鸡隐孢子虫（Cryptosporidium melea? gridis，C. meleagridis），鸽群感染阳性率高达43.75%（7/16）。进一步病理组织学分析发现，感 染鸽回肠上皮细胞出现坏死、固有层炎症浸润等典型病变。C. meleagridis 是仅次于微小隐孢子 虫（C. parvum）的第三大人兽共患隐孢子虫。该研究的发现具有重大的公共卫生意义，并为鸽 群腹泻致病因素解析提供新的视角，为鸽场隐孢子虫病的科学防控提供了重要数据支撑。同 时，提示该病原存在粪?口途径或水源性传播的潜在风险，对制定相应的防控措施保障公共卫 生安全具有重要意义。

关键词: 火鸡隐孢子虫, 人兽共患病, 感染特征, 防控措施