Survey of pathogens and blood parasites in free-living passerines

To determine the disease prevalence of free-living passerines, 1709 passeri nes were sampled from 38 different field sites in Ohio. Choanal and cloacal swabs were collected from each bird and cultured for the presence of Paste urella multocida, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli by standard microbi ologic techniques. In addition, the serum from each bird was analyzed for t he presence of antibodies to Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Newcastle disease virus, and avian influenza virus. A blood smear was also made to examine for the presence of blood parasites. Results indicated tha t the isolation of E. coli varied with bird species, with the European star ling having a higher (21.4%) isolation off. coli. Salmonella spp, were also isolated from these free-living passerines. Pasteurella multocida was not isolated from any of the sampled passerines. These birds did not have antib odies to M. gallisepticum, M. synoviae, Newcastle disease virus, or avian i nfluenza virus. Blood parasites were not detected in any of the birds sampl ed.