Prevalence and potential vectors of Haemoproteus in Nebraska mouring doves.

Three hundred and nine mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) from Lancaster County, Nebraska, were examined for species of Haemoproteus. Older doves possessed higher Haemoproteus prevalences than younger doves. Mean total prevalence for each dove age group was as follows: adults, 61% H. sacharovi and 83% H. maccallumi; immatures, 35% H. sacharovi and 42% H. maccallumi; and nestlings, 31% H. sacharovi and 16% H. maccallumi. Yearly prevalences were less variable in mature doves than in immature and nestling doves. No correlation between nestling and parent Haemoproteus infections were observed, but nestmates in 10 or 18 nests harbored equivalent infections. Stilbometopa podopostyla and Microlynchia pusilla (Hippoboscidae) were collected from Nebraska doves. Hippoboscidae were collected from doves of all ages from April to August. Dove baited fly traps yielded Culex tarsalis and C. pipiens in Nebraska and Culicoides haematopotus, C. crepuscularis, and Simulium aureaum in Ames, Iowa.