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Research
Ecology of Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases in New Zealand
Aim
 To investigate the dynamics of vector-borne diseases in New Zealand wildlife.
Scope
As well as being adversely impacted by disease themselves, wildlife are known to harbour the majority of new emerging and re-emerging diseases of people and their domestic animals, This field-research programme, led by Landcare Research on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF-BNZ), was conducted during 2007 - 2009. The study aimed to investigate the ecology of vectors and vector borne diseases of significance to human health, biosecurity and biodiversity. The NZCCM was sub-contracted to assist with the field collection of diagnostic samples and examination of blood smears for blood parasites.
Findings
Vectors (ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies) and diagnostic samples were collected from a range of wildlife in four key locations: Cape Kidnappers (Hawkes Bay), Kaikoura (South Island), Muriwai Regional Park (Auckland) and Mokoia Island (Rotorua). The project revealed potentially new species of Babesia blood parasites in three species of sea bird (Australasian gannets, red-billed gulls and white-fronted terns). Avian malarial parasites were found in little blue penguins, New Zealand scaup and several passerine species and evidence of exposure to Ross River virus was found in two gannets while a red-billed gull was tentatively positive for Barmah Forest virus.
Collaborators
The study was funded through a Cross-Departmental Research Pool. In addition to MAF-BNZ, Landcare Research and the NZCCM, collaborators included the Institutes of Natural Resources and Natural Sciences at Massey University, Department of Conservation, Environmental Science and Research, New Zealand Biosecure, the University of Auckland, Murdoch University, University of Western Australia, Auckland Regional Council, Wellington Zoo and Gribbles Veterinary Pathology.
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