Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine Treatment against Mixed Avian-haematozoa Infections in Imported Tengmalm's Owls (Aegolius funereus)

Abstract

Three imported wild Tengmalm's owls (Aegolius funereus) from Russia were less active and unable to fly after transfer to an outside aviary. Blood-smear examinations revealed mixed infections with avian haematozoons (Haemoproteus sp., Leucocytozoon sp, Trypanosoma sp.). One owl died, but the clinical conditions of the other two improved after treatment with pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine. Although this drug combination was effective against both Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon infections, the later haematozoon persisted after treatment. Treatment against Trypanosoma infection was ineffective. From the standpoint of wildlife management, haema- tozoic infections in imported exotic birds should be carefully considered as a source of introduced pathogens.