| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Camille Goblet ccgoblet@tamu.edu Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Sarah Hamer, DVM, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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MW 8:20AM-11:20AM |
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Team Size:
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4 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Team Needs:
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Description:
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This project looks at the prevalence of avian malaria, specifically the agent of the disease, Plasmodium, which can be found in the blood. The project will involve mist-netting target bird species (including but not limited to: house sparrow, house finch, blue jay, northern cardinal, etc.) in residential areas around College Station. From the captured birds we will collect weights and measurements, apply leg band (when applicable), and collect blood. We will try to determine infection by blood smear in the field and follow up molecular ID by PCR in the lab, and exsanguinate birds that test positive for Plasmodium. The blood of the Plasmodium positive birds will be cryopreserved, tested for pathogens, and utilized for future inoculation into canaries in the lab. The aim of the project is to quantify the proportion of the College Station Passerine population currently infected with the avian malaria disease. |