Study turns up avian malaria in northern spotted owl
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A new study of parasites in the northern spotted owl has turned up the first documented case of avian malaria in the threatened species.
The study by San Francisco State University biologists was part of a larger investigation of blood-borne parasites in birds of prey. Avian malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, the same way humans are infected by another strain of the disease. Researchers say even a single case is significant because blood parasites are an indicator of the overall health of a bird species. They are trying to determine whether the avian malaria was introduced by the barred owl, a closely related species that has been taking over spotted owl habitat and is considered a threat to its survival.
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