Molecular Screening of Avian Viruses and Parasites in Wedge-Tailed Shearwaters Ardenna pacifica and Barau’s Petrels Pterodroma baraui on Réunion Island

Authors

Camille Lebarbenchon, Université de La RéunionFollow
Celine Toty, Université de La Réunion
Solenn Boucher, Université de La Réunion
Audrey Jaeger, Université de la Réunion
Matthieu Le Corre, Université de la Réunion

Abstract

We investigated Wedge-tailed Shearwater Ardenna pacifica and Barau's Petrel Pterodroma baraui exposure to infectious agents circulating in the western Indian Ocean. Using polymerase chain reaction and serological analyses, we screened for influenza viruses, flaviviruses, coronaviruses, and blood parasites (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium). No active infections were detected and serological results suggested limited past exposure, with only two Wedge-tailed Shearwaters testing positive for antibodies to the influenza A virus. These findings indicate the limited role of these species as epidemiological reservoirs. However, environmental factors such as tick infestations and isolated breeding habitats highlight the need for continued epidemiological monitoring to support effective conservation strategies.

DOI

http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.53.2.1645

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Recommended Citation

Lebarbenchon, Camille; Toty, Celine; Boucher, Solenn; Jaeger, Audrey; and Le Corre, Matthieu (2025) "Molecular Screening of Avian Viruses and Parasites in Wedge-Tailed Shearwaters Ardenna pacifica and Barau’s Petrels Pterodroma baraui on Réunion Island," Marine Ornithology: Vol. 53 : Iss. 2 , Article 12.
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.53.2.1645
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/marine_ornithology/vol53/iss2/12