Open AccessBugs in the Blood: The Rise of Blood Parasites in Raptors
Author(s) -
Lori Arent
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
wildlife rehabilitation bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2769-6960
pISSN - 1535-2242
DOI - 10.53607/wrb.v26.142
Subject(s) - babesiosis , blood smear , malaria , parasite hosting , babesia , biology , plasmodium (life cycle) , zoology , medicine , immunology , virology , world wide web , computer science
Two blood parasite diseases, avian malaria and babesiosis, are increasing in prevalence in raptor species. Avian malaria, the more commonly reported of the two, is documented as deadly; the severity of babesiosis is currently unknown. Routine evaluation of blood smears is critical to diagnosing these diseases so that appropriate treatment can be initiated and unexpected mortalities prevented.