The parasites of genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon are well-known avian haematozoa and can cause declined productivity and high mortality in wild birds. The objective of the study was to record the prevalence of haematozoan parasites in a wide range of wetland birds in Bangladesh. Six species of Haemoproteus, seven species of Plasmodium, one unidentified species of Leucocytozoon, and one unidentified microfilaria of the genus Paronchocerca were found. Data on the morphology, size, hosts, prevalence, and infection intensity of the parasites are provided. The overall prevalence among the birds was 29.5% (95 out of 322 birds). Of those, 13.2% (42 of 319) of birds were infected with Haemoproteus spp., 15.1% with Plasmodium spp. (48 of 319) and 0.6% with Leucocytozoon spp. (2 of 319). Two birds were positive for both Haemoproteus sp. and Plasmodium sp. A single resident bird, Ardeola grayii, was found positive for an unidentified microfilaria. Prevalence of infection varied significantly among different bird families. Wild birds of Bangladesh carry several types of haematozoan parasites. Further investigation with a larger sample size is necessary to estimate more accurately the prevalence of haematozoan parasites among wild birds as well as domestic ducks for better understanding of the disease ecology. 1. Introduction Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon are well-known genera of avian haematozoa. [1–3]. Biting midges, louse flies, black flies, and mosquitoes are the vectors that transmit these parasites [3–5]. Though the importance of bird haematozoans remains undervalued, declined productivity of birds and high mortality due to these parasitic infections have been reported [3]. Most infections with parasites of genus Haemoproteus produce subclinical infections. Liver, spleen, kidneys, and gizzards become enlarged [6–8]. Haemoproteus can also parasitize in the lungs [9]. In some birds, anemia, anorexia, and depression have also been reported [3]. Parasites of the Plasmodium genus cause avian malaria which has sublethal effects on host fitness. The most significant impact is long-term effect on the reproductive system of the host causing population decrease [10]. Leucocytozoon typically causes anemia and enlargement of liver and spleen [3, 7]. Earlier research from South and Southeast Asia has reported the prevalence and geographical distribution of avian haematozoa [11–15]. In 2005, five species of Plasmodium genus, one of Haemoproteus genus, and two unidentified microfilariae of different birds were reported from Pakistan [16].
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