A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that almost every forest bird species in Hawaii is spreading avian malaria, posing a threat to wildlife in the popular honeymoon destination.
Almost every forest bird species in Hawaii is spreading avian malaria, posing an increasing threat to wildlife in the popular honeymoon destination, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.
The research revealed a potential explanation for why the disease shows up almost everywhere mosquitoes are found on the Hawaiian Islands.
Scientists from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and the University of California analyzed blood samples from over 4,000 birds across 64 sites across the state, a press release revealed.
Potentially Severe Mosquito-borne Virus Surges In Us Above Normal Levels
Next, they conducted feeding trials where they allowed mosquitoes to feed on infected birds, and tracked whether those insects spread the disease at various temperatures.
The team found that both native and «introduced» species of forest birds can infect mosquitoes when the insects feed on them. Even when the birds have only small amounts of the parasites, they can carry the disease for months or years.