Haemoproteus parasite infections in birds can cause anemia, reduced fitness, and increased mortality in both wild and captive systems, particularly in young or immunocompromised individuals. Culicoides biting midges are known to play a role in transmission; however, the exact interactions between specific hosts, pathogens, and vectors remain uncharacterized. We investigated the potential role of biting midges in Haemoproteus transmission by combining blood meal analysis, molecular parasite detection, and microscopy of vector tissue. Blood-fed Culicoides were collected from the Konza Prairie in Kansas, and their blood meals were barcoded to establish host identity and tested for the presence of Haemoproteus. Parasite prevalence data were compared to blood samples taken directly from turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). Additionally, Culicoides without blood meals were separated by species and tested for the presence of Haemoproteus. Notably, only a single Culicoides species (C. haematopotus) tested positive for the parasite. Histological examination of this midge species revealed Haemoproteus sporozoites in the salivary glands, a critical stage for transmission. These findings strongly support the role of this specific Culicoides species in the natural transmission cycle of avian Haemoproteus. Our study provides novel evidence that incriminates C. haematopotus as a vector and highlights the importance of integrative approaches in vector-borne disease ecology.
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