Story perspectives

Study Reveals Avian Malaria Threatens Hawaii's Forest Birds

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

A new study in Nature Communications shows nearly all Hawaii forest birds carry avian malaria.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii and the University of California analyzed blood from over 4,000 birds.
They found that native and introduced species can infect mosquitoes.
The disease cannot infect humans but can shorten birds’ lifespans and their offspring.
The study notes limitations, including reliance on lab-controlled canaries and challenges measuring mosquito saliva.

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Story summary

A new study in Nature Communications shows nearly all Hawaii forest birds carry avian malaria.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii and the University of California analyzed blood from over 4,000 birds.
They found that native and introduced species can infect mosquitoes.
The disease cannot infect humans but can shorten birds’ lifespans and their offspring.
The study notes limitations, including reliance on lab-controlled canaries and challenges measuring mosquito saliva.