RT Journal Article
T1 Hemoparasites in Wild Birds: A Systematic Review of Their Ecology and Clinical Implications
A1 Alvarado-Piqueras, Alberto
A1 Gómez Muñoz, María Teresa
A1 Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara
AB Hemoparasites are blood-borne parasites transmitted by vectors and are commonly found in wild birds worldwide. The most frequently reported genera include Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Trypanosoma, while filarial worms and other hemoparasites are less frequently reported. Despite their importance, knowledge of their effects on the health of wild birds remains limited. This systematic review summarizes all scientific findings on hemoparasites in wild birds, emphasizing their implications for host health. The literature reveals a high number of articles in this area in recent decades, reflecting a growing concern about hemoparasites in wildlife and their ecological impact. However, studies remain unevenly distributed across regions and bird taxa. Diagnostic limitations, particularly in fieldwork and wildlife rehabilitation, continue to present challenges for the accurate detection and monitoring of these parasites. Nevertheless, molecular tools have advanced our understanding of parasite diversity and host-parasite dynamics. Our work highlights key knowledge gaps and stresses the need for further research to improve the understanding of the role of hemoparasites in avian ecology, particularly concerning environmental change and emerging infectious diseases
PB MDPI
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/124803
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/124803
LA eng
NO Alvarado-Piqueras, A., Gómez-Muñoz, M. T., & Martín-Maldonado, B. (2025). Hemoparasites in Wild Birds: A Systematic Review of Their Ecology and Clinical Implications. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 15(17), 2570. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15172570
NO Author Contributions: Conceptualization, B.M.-M. and M.T.G.-M.; methodology, B.M.-M. and A.A.-P.; formal analysis, B.M.-M. and A.A.-P.; investigation, B.M.-M. and A.A.-P.; data curation, B.M.-M. and A.A.-P.; writing—original draft preparation, A.A.-P. and B.M.-M.; writing—review and editing, M.T.G.-M., A.A.-P. and B.M.-M.; supervision, M.T.G.-M. and B.M.-M.; project administration, M.T.G.-M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
NO Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO) ( España)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 21 ene 2026