Mentor: Ryan Shannon, Ph.D.

Globally, bird populations are facing large declines, yet the role of disease remains understudied. Avian Malaria is a common disease of birds worldwide and is caused by three genera of parasites: Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon. Migration is particularly stressful and may be when birds are most vulnerable to the negative effects of parasites. Research regarding the prevalence of malarial parasites across seasons is relatively disregarded. Parasite prevalence in migrants could also vary by arrival to our stopover site in Ohio based on their respective migratory windows for spring and fall.

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