Prevalence of hematozoa in overwintering American redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla): no evidence for local transmission

J Wildl Dis. 2004 Jan;40(1):115-8. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-40.1.115.

Abstract

We examined American redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla) for protozoan blood parasites on their wintering grounds to determine whether transmission of these parasites occurs prior to spring migration. A total of 73 blood smears from 37 birds were examined for presence and intensity of infection. Thirty-six birds were sampled in the fall, soon after arriving from northern breeding grounds, and the spring prior to departure. Two (5%) of the samples collected in the fall were positive for Haemoproteus fringillae and one (3%) had detectable infections of Trypanosoma avium. Individuals infected with H. fringillae were hatching year redstarts sampled in September and October. Intensity of infection was 78 and < 1 infected erythrocytes per 10,000 erythrocytes, respectively. None of the birds had detectable infections when resampled prior to spring migration the following March.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Bird Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Bird Diseases / parasitology
  • Bird Diseases / transmission
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology
  • Female
  • Haemosporida / isolation & purification*
  • Male
  • Parasitemia / epidemiology
  • Parasitemia / parasitology
  • Parasitemia / veterinary*
  • Prevalence
  • Protozoan Infections, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Protozoan Infections, Animal / transmission
  • Seasons
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Songbirds / parasitology*