Hematozoa in sage grouse from colorado

J Wildl Dis. 1977 Oct;13(4):414-7. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-13.4.414.

Abstract

Blood films from 361 sage grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) from North Park, Colorado, were examined for hematozoa. Parasites found were: Plasmodium pedioecetii , Haemoproteus canachites , Leucocytozoon bonasae , Trypanosoma avium , and microfilariae. The sage grouse represents a new host record for Plasmodium . Prevalence of parasitism was not age or sex related, with no significant (P > 0.05) differences between age or sex class. Parasite burdens increased significantly (P < 0.05) from January through May. As these burdens rose prior to the emergence of potential vectors, probably it was a true relapse associated with the resumption of the hosts' sexual activity.