LEUCOCYTOZOONOSIS IN CANADA GEESE AT THE SENEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Abstract

A history is given of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the losses of goslings of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) recorded since inception of the refuge in 1935. Since 1960, when more reliable data became available, losses have been estensive every 4 years. Goslings deaths are attributed to the infection with Leucocytozoon simondi. The blackfly (Simulium innocens) is considered to be the prime vector in the transmission of this blood parasite to goslings.