Blood parasites of some birds from northeastern Mexico

A total of 196 birds of 31 species from 15 families from northeastern Mexico was examined for blood parasites; 25 birds (12.8%) of 11 species harbored 1 or more species of hematozoans. Species of Haemoproteus accounted for half of the total infections encountered. Leucocytozoon simondi was found in 2 Mexico ducks (Anas diazi) and this represents the first record of the transmission of this parasite in Mexico. The results of this survey were compared with those obtained nearly 50 yr ago from a survey of birds from the same general area; prevalence in both samples was similar, despite the change to a more agricultural environment over this period.