Topic: Biology

A new study found that almost every forest bird species in Hawaiʻi can transmit avian malaria. This helps explain why the disease is so widespread across the islands.

Avian malaria is a major problem for native Hawaiian birds. A recent study led by researcher Christa M. Seidl at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa found that almost every forest bird species in Hawaiʻi can transmit this disease. This widespread ability to spread infection helps explain why avian malaria shows up nearly everywhere mosquitoes live across the islands.

The study, published in Nature Communications, detected avian malaria at 63 of 64 locations tested statewide. The researchers found that even birds carrying small amounts of the parasite were able to infect mosquitoes. This means a wide range of bird communities can maintain ongoing transmission.

Avian malaria attacks red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, organ failure, lower survival rates and, in some species, death. The consequences have been severe for Hawaiʻi's iconic birds. For example, the ʻiʻiwi, also known as the scarlet honeycreeper, face a mortality rate of about 90 percent if infected.

The study highlights the importance of mosquito control in protecting native birds. The researchers found that chronic infections drive ongoing transmission and that few mosquito-infested habitats remain free of transmission risk. Climate change is making it even more challenging to protect vulnerable native birds.

Why It Matters

This research matters because it shows why avian malaria has been so difficult to contain in Hawaiʻi. It also highlights the importance of protecting native birds and their habitats, which are under threat due to climate change.

Key Facts

• Almost every forest bird species in Hawaiʻi can transmit avian malaria.
• The disease is widespread across the islands, with detection at 63 of 64 locations tested statewide.
• Even birds carrying small amounts of the parasite were able to infect mosquitoes.
• Chronic infections drive ongoing transmission and few mosquito-infested habitats remain free of transmission risk.
• Climate change is making it even more challenging to protect vulnerable native birds.

Key Terms

Avian malaria

A disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium relictum that attacks red blood cells and can lead to serious health problems in birds.

Implications

This research matters because it shows why avian malaria has been so difficult to contain in Hawaiʻi. It also highlights the importance of protecting native birds and their habitats, which are under threat due to climate change.