Prevalence and intensity of Haemoproteus columbae in three species of wilddoves from Brazil

The prevalence and intensity of blood parasites in three species of wild do ves were studied in the municipality of Junqueiropolis, in the western regi on of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Three species of doves were surveyed: 331 specimens of Zenaida auriculata Des Murs, 1847. 62 specimens of Columb ina talpacoti Temminck, 1811 and 57 specimens of Scardafella squammata Less on, 1831. Haemoproteus columbae Kruse, 1890 was found in blood from all the doves species. The prevalence of this parasite was 100% in Z. auriculata, 51.6% in C. talpacoti and 19.3% in S. squammata. Specimens of Z. auriculata had a higher intensify of infection than the other doves species.