Prevalence of infestation by ticks and probability of infection by avian malaria in sympatric steppe birds in Spain

Abstract

This study investigates the presence, identity and infestation prevalence of ticks in different steppe bird species in central Spain, as well as the potential influence of anthropogenic practices, such as grazing, in this regard. In addition, the presence of vector-borne pathogens and the presence of avian malaria in ticks of different bird species is determined using molecular techniques. On the other hand, the variation in prevalence of both ticks and avian malaria is analyzed according to the species of birds and the livestock density in the study area. The prevalence of tick infestation ranged from 1.7% in the Western Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) to 46.3% in the Dupont’s Lark (Chersophilus duponti), being significantly higher in the Dupont’s Lark. The presence of ticks with avian malaria was found in two of the species analyzed. The percentage of ticks in which avian malaria was detected was 100% for Western Black-eared Wheatear (two ticks analyzed) and 21.6% for the Dupont’s Lark (of the 409 ticks analyzed). The presence of ticks and prevalence of avian malaria was not significantly related to the intensity of livestock density. Our results provide new and relevant information on the probability of tick infestation in steppe birds and their potential role as a vector of infectious diseases.