The First Clinical Cases of Haemoproteus Infection in a Snowy Owl (Bubo Scandiacus) and a Goshawk (Accipiter Gentilis) at a Zoo in the Republic of Korea

Overview

Journal J Vet Med Sci

Specialty Veterinary Medicine

Date 2018 Jun 26

PMID 29937458

Citations 10

Authors

Seung-Hun Lee

Dongmi Kwak

Kyoo-Tae Kim

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study reports two clinical cases of avian haemosporidian infection caused by a Haemoproteus sp., involving a snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) and a goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), at a zoo. The snowy owl died after presenting with anorexia, depression and lethargy. A blood smear with Wright's staining confirmed Haemoproteus infection. Necropsy of the snowy owl revealed hypertrophy of the internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, kidney and adrenal glands. The goshawk showed anorexia, depression and a lowered head position, and was diagnosed with a Haemoproteus infection based on a blood smear. The goshawk was completely cured by treatment with a combination of atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. Both cases showed decreased erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit values on complete blood count.

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