Zoonotic Cryptosporidium meleagridis in urban invasive monk parakeets

Zoonotic Cryptosporidium meleagridis was identified in invasive monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from Santiago metropolis in Chile. Oocysts were isolated from nestlings' faeces, and a fragment of 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified and sequenced. This finding emphasizes the importance of permanent pathogen monitoring in synanthropic species with wide global distribution.

First record of Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) parasitizing invasive monk parakeets in Santiago, Chile

Myiopsitta monachus is an invasive psittacine with wide distribution due to the pet trade. Its large communal nests and synanthropic nature contribute to its successful colonization of cities, from where it seems to be expanding in range and numbers. This is relevant with regard to pathogens that invasive species may harbor, especially when host populations thrive. We aimed to identify an abundant mite found in invasive monk parakeet chicks that had been collected in Santiago during 2017 and 2018. Through morphological and molecular identification of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, we confirmed the presence of Ornithonyssus bursa. This was the first report of this mite in Chile. This mite is common in native and invasive monk parakeet populations and may affect other birds, including domestic fowl. Further, this mite bites people and can be a potential vector of pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. We conclude that this parasite was likely introduced with the parakeet and discuss possible ecological, health and economic consequences of this new potential pest.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Free-Ranging Introduced Monk Parakeets from Santiago, Chile

Simple Summary

Monk Parakeets are medium-sized parrots that were internationally traded as pets and that as a byproduct have become invasive species in 19 countries. This is the case of Chile, where Monk Parakeets have thrived in the city of Santiago. Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that can affect the digestive system of a wide variety of animals, including humans and birds. This study sought to determine the occurrence of these parasites within Monk Parakeets from the city of Santiago. To do this, 207 fecal samples from Monk Parakeet nestlings that were captured during the summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 were analyzed. Environmental data related to the trees in which the nestlings were captured was studied in order to the determine the existence of areas more prone to have infected parakeets and whether certain environmental variables influence the presence or absence of these parasites in Monk Parakeets. In total, 33 samples were positive to the presence of one or both parasites. Of the 33, 10 nestlings (30%) were infected with Cryptosporidium spp. and 25 (76%) with Giardia spp. Two nestlings were infected with both parasites (6%). Environmental analyses revealed that pruned trees might constitute a protective factor against infection with these parasites. These findings emphasize Monk Parakeet’s potential role as a disease disseminator, especially in urban environments.

Abstract

Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are medium-sized parrots that due to international pet trade currently exist as invasive species in 19 countries globally. Such is the case of Chile, where Monk Parakeets have thrived in the city of Santiago. Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are worldwide distributed gastrointestinal parasites whose potential hosts include birds and humans. The present study sought to determine the presence of these pathogens in Monk Parakeets from Santiago. During the austral summers of 2017 and 2018, 207 Monk Parakeet nestlings were captured, and fecal samples were studied via microscopical analyses. Environmental data related to the trees in which the nestlings were captured were analyzed to establish the existence of infection clusters. Associations between spatial clusters, environmental variables, and the presence or absence of these pathogens were explored. In total, 33 samples were positive to the presence of one or both protozoa. Of the 33, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected in 10 nestlings (30%) while Giardia spp. cysts were detected in 25 (76%). Two nestlings presented poly-parasitism (6%). Statistical analyses established pruned trees as a potential protective factor against infection with these parasites. The present study corresponds to the second report of Cryptosporidium spp. in Monk Parakeets in Chile and the first worldwide report of Giardia spp. in these birds, emphasizing Monk Parakeet’s potential role as a reservoir and pathogen disseminator, especially in urban environments.

Interactions between Invasive Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and Other Bird Species during Nesting Seasons in Santiago, Chile

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is considered to be one of the most invasive bird species because its unique ability among parrots to build their own communal nests. Currently, they are considered an invasive species in 19 countries and a pest-even in their native distribution-because of economic losses derived from their impacts. During the reproductive seasons of 2017 and 2018, we registered interactions between invasive monk parakeets and resident bird species in Santiago, Chile. We observed agonistic and affiliative interactions, and further, we described monk parakeets' nest occupancy by nine bird species, two invasive and seven native. For this reason, we consider that the monk parakeet is an allogenic ecosystem engineer with the potential to shape distribution and richness of sympatric species in urban environments. Our results contribute to an assessment of the implications of the monk parakeet's ecological invasion to other synanthropic species, and raise concern of other potential impacts, such as pathogen transmission derived from these interactions.