Diseases and Parasites of the Greater Sandhill Crane

Abstract

Between 1 March 1976 and 31 October 1977, 130 greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) were captured by rocket netting at eight locations in central Wisconsin and at the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Area in Indiana. In addition, fourteen prefledged chicks were captured in Wisconsin. All of these birds were examined for the presence of viral, bacterial, and parasitic disease agents. No viral isolations or serologic evidence for avian influenza or Newcastle disease were found in any of the 144 cranes examined. One of 95 serum samples examined was positive for western equine encephalatis and one positive for eastern equine encephalatis antibodies. Sera tested for chlamydiosis antibodies were negative. Three significant bacterial isolations were made: Arizona hinshawii, Salmonella enteritidis serotype Rubislaw and S. enteritidis serotype Litchfield. Haemoproteus antigonis was detected in 34% and Leucocytozoon grusi in 12% of the 133 crane blood smears examined. Feces from 69 captured cranes were examined for the presence of oocysts and 81% contained Eimeria gruis and 75% had E. reichenowi. Ectoparasites detected included two species of mites, a Geranolichus sp. and a new species of Brephosceles. Also two species of Mallophaga were found, Gruimenopon canadense and Esthiopterum brevicephalum. Orchipedum jolliei was the most common trematode recovered during necropsy, occuring in 42% of the trachea examined. Echinostoma revolutum and a Prosthogonimus sp. were also found. Tetrameres gruis was the only nematode recovered. Blood lead levels were found to range from non detected to 14.2 parts per million. The significance of these findings is discussed.