Investigating Hemoparasite Infection in Rusty Blackbirds: Could Avian Malaria Be Driving Their Decline?
Soddu, Isabella
Soddu, Isabella
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Abstract
In July of 2021, a female Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) died of avian malaria in New Hampshire after fledging her young. This raises the question of whether vector-borne diseases (specifically avian malaria) are contributing towards this species� rapid decline, which has mysteriously plunged an estimated 85-99% over the past forty years. A previous study conducted in 2010 measured the presence of hematozoa in breeding and overwintering Rusty Blackbirds, with Plasmodium being the least detected. However, the 2021 mortality could point to a novel outbreak that requires targeted investigation; a gap that this study aims to address. This study is conducted on 56 blood samples of Rusty Blackbirds that were collected during the summer of 2025 by New Hampshire Audubon and represent a variety of age classes. All samples will undergo DNA extraction and multiplex PCR to test for a suite of vector-borne diseases, including Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon, which are widespread, vector-borne blood parasites causing diseases in birds worldwide. This investigation aims to monitor hemoparasite prevalence in New Hampshire Rusty Blackbirds and determine if avian malaria is a growing threat to this highly vulnerable species.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy
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Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
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Life Science