First report of a hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) parasitized by Harpirhynchus nidulans in the Iberian Peninsula

Muñoz, Clara; Gonzálvez, Moisés; Buendía, A. J.; Lara, Laura Adrián; Escribano, F; Martínez‐Carrasco, Carlos

doi:10.1016/j.parint.2022.102552

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Moreover, mite infestation may indirectly affect susceptibility to other diseases, predation and behaviour of parasitized birds. However, while pathogenic effects of mites are well known for domestic and captive birds, the distribution and abundance of these ectoparasites and their impact on wild bird populations is poorly studied (Atkinson et al ., 2008 ; Muñoz et al ., 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chigger mite (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) infestation in reed passerine birds in Central Europe: a case of the bearded titPanurus biarmicus

2022

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Larval trombiculid (chigger) mites are common ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates including humans, causing itching and skin inflammation known as trombiculiasis. Investigation of their diversity, distribution and seasonal abundance is therefore important from a veterinary and public health point of view. Although researchers have paid increased attention to these parasites in recent years, there is still little ecological data available on chiggers associated with birds inhabiting different types of habitats such as wetlands, for example. In 2021, we investigated the mite fauna in a specialist reedbed passerine, the bearded tit (Panurus biarmicus), and their effects on this host in the south-west Slovakia, Central Europe. A total of 1134 larvae of 1 mite species Blankaartia acuscutellaris were found in 99 out of 267 examined bearded tits. Juveniles were more infested than adult birds, but no differences were found between sexes. The larvae of mites first appeared on the host during the second half of June and peaked in the second half of July. After that, their numbers decreased gradually until October. Despite the relatively high prevalence and intensity of mite infestation in the bearded tit, no differences in body condition between infested and uninfested birds suggest that infestation by B. acuscutellaris may not have serious negative effects on the host health. Bearded tits can therefore be a reliable indicator of the presence of the chigger mites in wetland habitats.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%