Question of the Day

Definitively diagnose Haemoproteus with PCR. Distinguishing Haemoproteus from other blood borne organisms on blood smear alone can be difficult.

Haemoproteus is the most common protozoan hemoparasite of birds; midges, mosquitos, and flies transmit the organism. Most of the 169 documented species of Haemoproteus are host-specific and non-pathogenic.

When Haemoproteus causes disease, most common signs are anemia, anorexia, and lethargy. Some species of Haemoproteus cause clinical (and occasionally fatal) disease in turkeys and quail.

Attempts at treatment with antimalarial drugs reduces parasitemia but does not eliminate infection. Focus prevention on limiting insect vectors.

Image courtesy of Michaela Snead DVM, MS.