• O'Meara, David C
  University of Maine Division of Graduate Study
  

This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of blood parasitism in Maine wild ducks. As high mortality has been reported from domestic ducks suffering from Leucocytozoon parasitism, special attention was given to this protozoan. Of 408 live black ducks sampled, 306 contained Leucocytozoon. Of 345 live wood ducks sampled 214 showed Leucocytozoon parasitism.

Haemoprodeus infections were found in 234 of the wood ducks and only 37 of the black ducks.

Microfilarial parasitism occurred in 62 of the wood ducks and 117 of the black ducks sampled. Single, double and triple infections of the three parasites were found. A single blood smear for a negative diagnosis in a low level of prasitism is of doubtful value. From 73 duplicate smears only 32 pairs were in complete agreement as to the kinds of parasites contained.

It is suggested that further study is urgently needed to determine the effect of blood parasites on Maine black ducks and wood ducks as both populations showed a high incidence of parasitism.

The following are believed to be unreported for the parasites indicated in North America:

Bufflehead - Leucocytozoon spp.

Blue-winged teal - Haemoproteus spp.

American goldeneye - Hamoproteus spp.

Blue-winged teal - Microfilaria spp.