Babesia shortti infection in a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Catalonia (northeastern Spain)

We report the presence of the avian piroplasm Babesia shortti in a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) admitted in a wildlife recovery centre in Catalonia, Spain. The bird, which was in a very poor condition and had respiratory distress, was anaemic (packed cell volume of 22%). The animal died within days. No postmortem examination was performed, but the extremely high parasitaemia of almost 45% and the anaemia might have caused death.