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.
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1 January 2004
Prevalence of Hematozoa in Overwintering American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla): No Evidence for Local Transmission
Mary C. Garvin,
Peter P. Marra,
Sarah K. Crain
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 40 • No. 1
January 2004
Vol. 40 • No. 1
January 2004
hematozoa
Jamaica
Setophaga ruticilla