Prevalence and host-migration patterns of Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in wild birds from Jeju Island, Republic of Korea.

Haemosporidians are diverse single-celled blood parasites infecting various vertebrate hosts, including birds. Avian haemosporidian infections caused by Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon have been reported worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence and host-migration patterns of avian haemosporidian parasites at the Jeju Wildlife Rescue Center, Republic of Korea. A total of 234 birds from 55 species, belonging to 14 orders and 20 families, were subjected to molecular and morphological analyses for haemosporidian detection. The overall prevalence of avian haemosporidian infection was 58.5% including both single and mixed infections. Genus level prevalence of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon were 0.19, 0.19, and 0.53 respectively. There were significant differences in infection prevalence among the avian orders, families, and species. Prevalence among migratory categories was 0.66, 0.48, 0.55 and 0.13 in resident breeders, summer visitors, winter visitors, and passage migrants respectively, with significant differences among migratory groups. Resident breeders and passage migrants contributed significantly to these differences. No significant difference in prevalence was observed between endangered and non-endangered bird groups. Several infected species, including Pitta nympha, Ixobrychus eurhythmus, Falco peregrinus, Falco subbuteo, Pandion haliaetus, Accipiter nisus, and Accipiter gentilis, are protected under Korean law. This study reveals that avian haemosporidian parasites are widespread among diverse wild bird species on Jeju Island, with a high overall infection rate.