Prevalence of avian haemosporidians among understorey birds of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Philippines

Issue Date

6-2015

Abstract

Understanding vector-borne diseases such as avian hemosporidiosis provides clues regarding environmental changes that can be crucial for conservation efforts. Haemosporidian prevalence in understorey birds from Mt. Banahaw de Lucban was studied to survey parasites occurring in the area, and test the difference between prevalence in high and low altitudes. Ninety-five birds were captured from May-June 2013 at 745-800 m, and 1500-1600 m, and were screened for haemosporidians via peripheral blood smear microscopy. Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium were found in 28.4% of the birds sampled, with Haemoproteus most frequently occurring. Half of the 24 bird species screened showed positive infections, and six species were identified as new Philippine host records of avian haemosporidians. Prevalence of infection did not significantly differ between altitudes and could be attributed to factors that warrant further investigation. Relatively high prevalence of predominantly chronic infections suggests birds are currently able to keep infection intensities in check but this cannot be guaranteed once they are immunocompromised, leading to potential disease outbreaks. Long term monitoring of haemosporidian prevalence and strict security against anthropogenic disturbance in Mt. Banahaw de Lucban may help reduce the risk of epizootic outbreaks that threaten Philippine endemic avifauna.

Source or Periodical Title

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology

Volume

63

Page

279-286

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

tables, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Birds, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, Mt. Banahaw, Philippines, Plasmodium

Digital Copy

yes

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