Molecular screening for avian viruses and parasites in Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Barau’s Petrels in the Indian Ocean

Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, from the Pacific Islands Avian Health & Disease Program

Camille Lebarbenchon (Université de La Réunion, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France) and colleagues have published in the open access journal Marine Ornithology on screening two tropical seabirds for viruses and blood parasites

The paper’s abstract follows:

“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.”

Reference:

Lebarbenchon, C., Toty, C., Boucher, S., Jaeger, A. & Le Corre, M. 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 53: 261-264.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 September 2025