Leucocytozoonosis in nestling bald eagles in Michigan and Minnesota

Thirteen of 21 nestling bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) examined for blood parasites in Michigan and Minnesota (USA) during June and July 1997 had patent infections of Leucocytozoon toddi. No other parasites were seen. The degree of parasitemia was light and varied from 1 to 2 an the Ashford Scale. Several of the infected nestlings appeared to have elevated levels o f heterophils in their peripheral circulating blood. One of the infected ne stlings also showed signs of severe anemia. We believe this is the first re port of L. toddi in the bald eagle.