Studies on Trypanosoma avium Danilewsky 1885 II. Transmission by Ornithomyia avicularia L

Abstract

1. It is shown that Ornithomyia avicularia L. (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) is a vector of Trypanosoma avium in this country.2. The metacyclic trypanosomes develop in the insect's hind-gut, and infect birds by penetrating the membranes of buccal cavity and/or oesophagus and crop.3. The opportunity for infection to take place occurs when birds ingest infected insects.4. The significance of this finding in connexion with other reports of (a) vectors of avian trypanosomes, and (b) trypanosomes transmitted by hippoboscids, is discussed.5. Attempts to obtain development of T. avium in a few nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus and one adult Culex molestus, failed. Mites from an infected bird were examined for the presence of flagellates, with negative results.