Blood parasites of some waterfowl from Victoria, Australia

A total of 316 anatids (5 species) from Serendip Wildlife Research Station, Lara, Victoria, were examined for blood parasites. Twenty-two of the ducks (all five species) harbored Haemoproteus nettionis and one also harbored Plasmodium relictum. None of 12 dusky moorhens (Gallinula tenebrosa) were infected. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of H. nettionis between species or age groups of ducks. No evidence of infection with Leucocytozoon, Trypanosoma or microfilaria was obtained.