BLOOD PARASITES OF BLACK DUCKS AND OTHER ANATIDS FROM LABRADOR AND INSULAR NEWFOUNDLAND

A total of 510 ducks of seven species from Labrador was examined for blood parasites; 76% of the birds were parasitized by one or more haematozoa. Leucocytozoon simondi occurred in 91% whereas haemoproteids occurred in only 11% of the infected ducks. Green-winged teal and black ducks were the most heavily parasitized of the anatid species, with a prevalence of infection higher than that of either pintails or mallards. Only 49% of the same species of ducks from western Newfoundland were infected with blood parasites; haemoproteids, rather than leucocytozoids, were the most commonly encountered blood parasite. Ducks from the eastern side of Newfoundland are still blood parasite free.