Avian blood parasite infection during the non-breeding season: an overlooked issue in declining populations?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pathogens and parasites can have major impacts on host population dynamics, both through direct mortality and via indirect effects. Both types of effect may be stronger in species whose populations are already under pressure. We investigated the potential for blood parasites to impact upon their hosts at the immunological, physiological and population level during the non-breeding season using a declining population of yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella as a model.

Results

Yellowhammers infected by Haemoproteus spp. showed both a reduced heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, and an elevated standardised white blood cell (WBC) count compared to uninfected birds, indicating an immunological response to infection. Infected birds had shorter wings during the first wint

SUBMITTER: Dunn JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3848531 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature