Toxoplasma gondii Exposure Prevalence in Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii)

Toxoplasma gondii has been reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in New Zealand's native avifauna, including the ground-dwelling Kiwi (Apteryx spp.). To better understand the extent of T. gondii infection in Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii), a prevalence survey of kiwi living inside a 200-ha predator-proof mainland ecosanctuary (Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, Wellington, New Zealand) was undertaken. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected by a latex agglutination test (LAT) with a cutoff positive titer of ≥1:64, and T. gondii DNA was detected by PCR. In total, 16/19 (84.2%) birds tested were positive for T. gondii by LAT (10/11), PCR (10/19), or both (4/11). Antibody titers ranged from 1:32 to ≥1:2,048. These results suggest widespread exposure of T. gondii in this population of Little Spotted Kiwi and, in conjunction with earlier reports of toxoplasmosis causing mortality in kiwi, raise important questions as to the effect this parasite may be having on this rare endemic species. Further information on the epidemiology of T. gondii infections within free-living and managed kiwi populations is urgently needed.