A Deadly Bird Disease Has Taken Over Hawaiʻi’s Forests

A new study found avian malaria in nearly all surveyed Hawaiʻi forest settings, showing the parasite is now widespread where mosquitoes are present.

Researchers found that most native and introduced forest birds can infect mosquitoes, not just a few key species.

Chronic infections may let Plasmodium relictum keep circulating across the islands, making the disease much harder to eliminate.

The results raise the importance of mosquito control to protect Hawaiʻi’s remaining native birds, especially honeycreepers.