"An outstanding resource for anyone interested in the biology of birds in Florida and nearby states . . . a truly exceptional work that will be used for decades."--William R. Davidson and M. Page Luttrell, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia

This distinctive reference is the first to present all available information on the various parasites, diseases, and other factors that cause sickness and death in Florida's wild birds, with an emphasis on distribution, prevalence, and significance.
Organized by the host species of bird rather than by disease agent, each chapter is preceded by an introduction discussing the population and survival status of the bird or bird group. Appropriate reviews and bibliographies are noted along with references to hematology, serum chemistry, nutrition, and physiological topics. Each introduction is followed by sections on the various morbidity and mortality factors, disease agents, and conditions: starvation, human-related trauma, predation, electrocution, brood parasitism, inclement weather, chemical contaminants, neoplasia, anomalies, biotoxins, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, helminths, and arthropods. The distribution, prevalence, and intensity of each disease are given, followed by the significance of the disease to bird populations as well as to public health.

In addition to providing a database of information needed for the management and conservation of Florida's unique avian community, this book will be an exceptional resource for wildlife biologists and ecologists, veterinary practitioners, animal health researchers, state and federal public health officials, and naturalists who by vocation or avocation are interested in wild birds.

Donald J. Forrester is professor of pathobiology at the University of Florida. He is the author of Parasites and Diseases of Wild Mammals in Florida (UPF, 1992). Marilyn G. Spalding is associate scientist in pathobiology at the University of Florida.