Variation in Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Mycoplasma Gallisepticum and Avipoxvirus in Nine Species of Birds with Differential Access to Feeders

Abstract

Congregation of individuals at high densities is known to increase disease transmission and bird-feeding activities are specifically aimed at attracting many birds to a single location. We surveyed nine potential host species for evidence of infection by each Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Avipoxvirus, or avian pox. We also examined differences in pathogen exposure at sites with bird feeders and sites without bird feeders. Finally, we compared prevalence of birds with antibodies against MG and avian pox to those that showed physical signs of infection. To test for pathogen exposure, we used indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found species-specific disease dynamics, as House Finches Haemorhous mexicanus had a significantly greater likelihood of having antibodies against MG than any other species. Birds at sites with feeders were more likely to have antibodies against MG. Birds at sites with feeders were no more likely to have antibodies against avian pox, but seroprevalence of avian pox did differ significantly among species. Overall, our findings suggest differential exposure and immune responses to each pathogen among species and that feeders increase the exposure of individuals to MG but not to avian pox, offering valuable new insights into the role of bird feeding activities in disease transmission among birds.