Hawai'i Birds Battle Spreading Avian Malaria

Avian malaria is rapidly spreading across Hawai'i, impacting almost every native forest bird species. A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that mosquitoes, which are not indigenous to the islands, are significant vectors for the disease. These insects can contract and spread avian malaria after feeding on infected birds, contributing to its pervasive presence throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

The research indicates that both native and introduced bird species can harbor the parasites, enabling mosquitoes to become infected. Worryingly, birds can carry the disease for months or even years, even with low levels of infection. This sustained transmission cycle makes containment efforts extremely challenging for conservationists seeking to protect Hawai'i's unique bird populations.

The consequences are dire, with the National Park Service noting that mosquitoes increase the extinction risk for forest birds. The ʻakikiki, a native Hawaiian bird, has already been declared extinct in the wild due to avian malaria. While the bird-specific strains do not affect humans, the disease can shorten birds' lifespans and pass on these genetic predispositions to their offspring, creating a new generation with reduced longevity.