Haemoproteus tinnunculi infection in captive saker falcons (Falco cherrug) in Saudi Arabia

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Haemoproteus tinnunculi from falcons in Saudi Arabia

“…This study revealed a very low prevalence of H. tinnunculi by microscopic inspection of blood smears (1%) and PCR (3%) among 100 examined falcons. The low prevalence of H. tinnunculi in this study is relatively similar to the previous reports in Middle East countries: 3.8% in Kuwait [ 15 ] and 5.3% and 6.7% in UAE [ 11 , 23 ], and it was significantly lower than reported in KSA (81%) in 2010 [ 22 ]. The difference in prevalence rates can be attributed to differences in the level of parasitemia, sampling timing, handling, geography, health status, behavior, and management provided for falcons.…”

“…In KSA, H. tinnunculi was reported in 2001 and 2010, and the parasite was detected by microscopy among Saker falcons, as reported in Riyadh at Fahad Bin Sultan Falcon Center [ 11 , 22 ]. However, the current study is the first in the central region of KSA using a molecular approach to diagnose H. tinnunculi parasitizing falcons.…”

“…This finding indicates that the correlation between F. cherrug and H. tinnunculi infection was positive, with an increased risk of H. tinnunculi infection in this falcon species. Rahim et al [ 11 ] have studied only one falcon species ( F. cherrug ) in Riyadh at Fahad Bin Sultan Falcon Center. This study did not focus on other different species of falcons.…”

“…In Germany and the USA, avian hemoparasites have been reported in many raptors [ 8 , 9 ]. In Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), although Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasites were recorded in the Skink lizard and saker falcons, respectively [ 10 , 11 ], their prevalence is rare. The genus Haemoproteus includes 128 species, mostly pathogenic in domestic birds, leading to various clinical signs, such as vomiting, depression, and tremors [ 12 – 14 ].…”