The first report of blood parasites in the birds in Fasa district, Southern Iran

The Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, Aegyptianella, and Leucocytozoon parasites can lead to a reduction in the productivity and mortality of wild and domestic birds. The prevalence of these parasites was studied by random selection of 209 birds from different areas of Fasa district, Fars province, Southern Iran, during May to July 2015. The birds including the partridge, ostrich, quail, turkey, hen, rooster, and pigeon considered as native domestic birds and a group including of geese and ducks as migratory birds were studied. The overall prevalence of infection was 23.9%. Haemoproteus spp. (17.7%), Plasmodium spp. (1.5%), and Aegyptianella spp. (1.5%) were identified as three major parasites. The highest rate of infection was related to the pigeons and was mainly infected with Haemoproteus spp. (55.6%). In partridge, ostrich, geese, and rooster, no blood protozoa infection was observed. 3.4% of the total birds that were examined were found to have this infection with multiple genera. The prevalence of the disease in birds is different. More researches with large sample are needed to determine the prevalence of blood parasites among birds to better identify of the disease ecology.