Sixteen raptors and three hooded crows were infected experimentally with Francisella tularensis biovar palaearctica. The birds were infected parenterally or per os. One goshawk, one sparrow hawk and one hooded crow died during the experimental period, and the remaining 16 birds were killed 14–77 days after the first infection. Francisella tularensis was not isolated from any bird. Antibody levels against F. tularensis measured in nine birds varied from 0 to 1:1,280. In one goshawk with a titer of 1:1,280, positive fluorescent antibody reactions against F. tularensis were seen in the liver and spleen. These results are similar to those found by other authors indicating that raptors and corvids are normally resistant to infections with F. tularensis.

Tularemia, Francisella tularensis, raptors, hawks, buzzards, owls, crows, Accipiter spp., Buteo spp., Strix aluco, Corvus corone cornix, fluorescent antibody test, tube-agglutination test, serology, experimental infection
This content is only available as a PDF.
© Wildlife Disease Association 1988
1988