Detection of avian haemosporidian parasite DNA from potential vector arthropods distributed in the endangered bird conservation facility at Sado Island of Japan.

Abstract

Avian haemosporidian parasites cause high pathogenicity and lethal infections to non-native or introduced birds. Crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) resulted extinct in Japan but the Chinese population was introduced to Japan. Understanding the prevalence of pathogens of rare species is important for their conservation but it is often difficult to investigate them due to the limitation of the access. We collected parasite vector insects in 2022 and 2023 around the crested ibis conservation center in Sado Island. Among collected 214 mosquitoes and 585 biting midges, three Haemoproteus genetic lineages were detected from four Culicoides biting midges for the first time. Our findings suggested that the transmission of Haemoproteus could occur between biting midges and wild birds including crested ibis.