Survey for Haemoproteus Spp., Trichomonas Gallinae, Chlamydophila Psittaci, and Salmonella Spp. In Galapagos Islands Columbiformes

Abstract

Endemic free-ranging Galapagos doves (Zenaida galapagoensis) and introduced rock doves (Columba livia) were surveyed in several islands of the Galapagos archipelago to establish sample prevalence of hemoparasites, Trichomonas gallinae, Chlamydophila psittaci, and Salmonella species. A Haemoproteus sp., the only hemoparasite identified, was found in 89% of the Galapagos doves sampled but not in the rock doves. Trichomonas gallinae was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 44% of rock doves from San Cristobal but in none of the Galapagos doves. Chlamydophila psittaci was detected from cloacal swabs in 6% of the Galapagos doves but in none of the rock doves sampled. All positive cases of C. psittaci occurred on Española, where the crude sample prevalence was 24%. A polymerase chain reaction-based Salmonella test failed to show evidence of this organism from any birds sampled.

West Nile Virus Vector Competency of Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes in the Galápagos Islands

“…have already reached Galápagos with negative impacts on the native wildlife. [9][10][11] The isolation of Galápagos wildlife implies they lack prior exposure to many pathogens (i.e., they are immunologically naive) and as such may show heightened susceptibility to WNV. 12 West Nile virus is maintained in nature in an avian hostmosquito vector enzootic cycle.…”

Aedes Taeniorhynchus Vectorial Capacity Informs A Pre-Emptive Assessment Of West Nile Virus Establishment In Galápagos

“…Nonetheless, Bataille et al (2012) report a single blood-meal from a flightless cormorant ( Phalacrocorax harrisii )29, and there are anecdotal accounts of Galápagos seabirds abandoning their nests due to molestation by A. taeniorhynchus 56. Furthermore, a variety of wild bird species in Galápagos are infected with pathogens such as hemoproteus and filarial pathogens that are probably vectored by mosquitoes25758. Therefore it seems likely that A. taeniorhynchus has more contact with avian species than can be demonstrated so far.…”

“…The archipelago, famous for its unique range of endemic fauna and flora which has evolved in isolation over millennia, is recognised as a United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation [UNESCO] World Heritage site1 and generates considerable economic income for Ecuador through ecotourism. However, as increasing connectivity with the continental Americas, primarily driven by a rapidly expanding tourism industry and growing human population, diminish geographic barriers, the Galápagos ecosystem is threatened by invasive species and novel pathogens234. Here we quantify epidemiological factors key to the establishment and transmission of West Nile virus [WNV] should this mosquito-borne virus be introduced to Galápagos, focusing on Aedes taeniorhynchus , a native species and the most abundant and widely-distributed mosquito on the islands5.…”

Waterbird Biodiversity and Conservation Threats in Coastal Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

“…Salmonella sp. was reported in domestic pigeons (introduced rock doves, Columba livia) on San Cristóbal and may cause severe disease in species such as Galapagos doves (Zenaida galapagoensis) and other native birds (Harmon et al, 1987;Wikelski et al, 2004;Padilla et al, 2004). Among parasites, Haemoproteus sp., the only hemoparasite identified, was found in 89% of the Galapagos doves sampled but not in the rock doves ).…”