# First Investigation of Haemosporidian Species and Record of Novel Genetic Lineages in Eurasian Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) in Greece

## TL;DR

This study explores blood parasites in endangered Eurasian griffon vultures in Greece and discovers new parasite lineages.

## Contribution

The study reports novel genetic lineages of Haemosporidian parasites in Eurasian griffon vultures for the first time.

## Key findings

- New genetic lineages of Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium were identified in griffon vultures.
- Haemoproteus brachiatus and Parahaemoproteus lineages were recorded for the first time in vultures.
- The overall infection rate was low, suggesting strong immunity in griffon vultures against blood parasites.

## Abstract

Blood parasites can harm the health of wild birds, yet little is known about the blood parasites of Eurasian griffon vultures, a scavenger bird species that is endangered in many parts of the world, including Greece. This study examined 59 griffon vultures admitted to a wildlife rescue center in Greece. Blood samples were analyzed using microscopy and genetic techniques to detect three specific groups of blood parasites called Haemosporidians. The overall infection rate was relatively low, suggesting that griffon vultures may possess a strong immune response against such infections. However, the study identified several previously unrecorded genetic types of Haemosporidians in vultures. These findings expand our understanding of parasite diversity in this species and highlight the importance of further research to clarify the impact of these parasites on vulture population dynamics, which is useful for developing effective conservation strategies.

Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) are endangered scavenger birds. Haemosporidian parasites infect the blood cells and organs of many avian species globally, using blood-sucking insect vectors, and they negatively affect health of birds and subsequently wildlife biodiversity. Fifty-nine vultures were admitted to the Greek wildlife rehabilitation center “ANIMA” and included in this study. Blood samples were collected, and the microscopy of stained blood smears was performed. Moreover, DNA was extracted, samples were screened for Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium spp. following nested PCR protocols, and positive samples were sequenced. The detected haemosporidians are reported for the first time in Eurasian griffon vultures globally. The overall prevalence was 11.9% (Leucocytozoon spp. 5.1%, Haemoproteus spp. 5.1%, Plasmodium spp. 3.4%); this further corroborates the statement that the vultures’ immunity protects them from blood parasites. Notably, new genetic lineages of Leucocytozoon (GYPFUL02), Haemoproteus (GYPFUL01), and Plasmodium (GYPFUL03) species were recorded for the first time. Furthermore, it was the first molecular isolation of Haemoproteus in Old World vultures and Haemoproteus brachiatus was isolated for the first time from a vulture species. Moreover, this demonstrates the first record of Parahaemoproteus genetic lineages in vultures. Results highlight the genetic diversity of haemosporidians in griffon vultures and the need for additional studies.