248 
Annals of the Transvaal Museum. 
LAMBLIA SANGUINIS (Nov. Sp.). 
By Dr. B. Gonder (with one figure in text). 
The study of the flagellate genus Lamblia has lately received more attention 
through observations made in the case of dysentery, in which disease 
flagellates, especially Lamblia, have been found in large numbers (Prowazek, 
Bohne, and others). Although the question as to the pathogenicity of 
this protozoon is still undecided, yet it is probable that in combination 
with other organisms it may have a harmful effect. 
Up to the present Lambliae have been found only in the intestines of 
rats, mice, cats, rabbits, and the human subject, and organisms similar 
to Lamblia have been found in the stomach of ruminants. It needs further 
investigations to determine as to whether or not these observations are 
of practical importance. I think, therefore, that it is interesting from a 
biological point of view to give a short description of a Lamblia which 
has been found in the blood of a bird. 
During the present year, in the Veterinary Bacteriological Institute 
of the Transvaal, a large number of different species of birds has been 
shot for the purpose of making experimental investigations with the blood 
of these birds. The heart-blood of all birds used in connection with these 
investigations was carefully examined before these experiments were 
carried out for the presence of parasites or other organisms. By chance 
a blue hawk (Elanus coeruleus) was received, in whose heart’s-blood was 
found an actively motile parasite, which on careful examination proved 
to be Lamblia. 
This bird had been only recently shot and had died as a result of the 
wounds received on the head and wing. It is natural that some may say 
