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Institute of Wildlife Sciences, Inc.

Institute of Wildlife Sciences, Inc.

Abstract
The analysis of serum chemistries is becoming a vital diagnostic tool for assessing the health of free-ranging birds of prey. The serum chemistries of 21 free-ranging swallow-tailed kites, Elanoides forficatus, nestlings were measured in 1995 and 2003 in several regions of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. One hematological value (PCV) and twenty-four serum values were measured to establish normal baseline parameters for the kites. Microbial health assessment applications in wildlife monitoring are in infancy stage. Microbial organisms were identified from cloacal and choanal swabs. Escherichia coli (88%), Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae (44%) and Proteus mirabilis (43%) were the predominant microbial organisms.

Mealey, B.K., G.D. Bossart, K.D. Myer. 2006. Serum Chemistry Values and Isolated Microbial Organisms for Swallow-Tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus, Nestlings in Southeastern United States. Florida Scientist, 1(69):54-61.

Serum Chemistry Values and Isolated Microbial Organisms for Swallow-Tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus, Nestlings in Southeastern United States.

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