Abstract

Trichomonas gallinae, a protozoan parasite infecting a wide range of birds, has been a cause
3 for conservation concern since its recognition as an emerging infectious disease, having had
4 notable impacts on several avian species, including causing widespread mortality in
5 greenfinches (Chloris chloris), and chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs), and hindering the recovery
6 of the endangered pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri). Horizontal transmission between birds
7 congregating at feeding sites, such as those provided for conservation and species management
8 purposes, is an important driver in the spread of T. galliane. Supplementary feeding is a key
9 conservation intervention for the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), which is declining
10 across its range, driven at least partially by a loss of natural food resources. Due to the link
11 between T. gallinae transmission and supplementary feeding, we consider the prevalence of
12 this parasite amongst European turtle dove in relation to diet, in the first study to analyse these
13 two factors in the decline of this species together. Using birds sampled from breeding and
14 wintering grounds, the dietary composition of individuals was compared to the presence of T.
15 gallinae, and specific T. gallinae strains. Dietary variation was summarised into two axes using
16 detrended correspondence analysis, neither were associated with the presence of T. gallinae,
17 or any specific strains. The proportion of diet accounted for by cultivated seeds did not affect
18 parasite presence, despite the spread of this parasite being associated with supplementary
19 feeding due to an increase in contact between potentially infected and uninfected birds
20 gathering at high densities at feeding sites. Significant dietary overlap was observed between
21 infected and uninfected individuals in all sites, with almost complete dietary overlap being
22 observed in one breeding site. The level of dietary overlap between individuals infected with
23 specific strains fluctuated between sampling seasons, indicating no consistent relationship
24 between diet and infection status.