Environmental factors and mosquito species drive avian malaria circulation

A study conducted by the Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) and published in Scientific Reports has identified how environmental factors and mosquito species influence the circulation of avian malaria. The research highlights that temperature and vegetation cover affect the prevalence of Plasmodium parasites differently across mosquito species. Specifically, in Culex pipiens, parasite prevalence increases with higher vegetation cover, whereas in Culex perexiguus, it is linked to higher minimum temperatures. The study also identified nine distinct genetic lineages of the parasite, suggesting a higher genetic diversity than previously known.

In a separate development in Catalonia, the Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentarias (IRTA-CReSA) reported the detection of Usutu and West Nile viruses in mosquitoes located in a wetland area away from urban centers. While these viruses circulate between mosquitoes and wild birds, authorities stated the risk to the human population remains very low due to the distance from urban areas. Surveillance protocols have been activated to monitor the situation.