Disease prevalence in an urban raptor related to pest species: the case of Eurasian Scops Owl (<i>Otus scops</i>) infection by <i>Gongylonema sp</i>.

Urbanization is often associated with homogenization, including the homogenization of biodiversity and overpopulation by generalist species that can change community disease dynamics. In Madrid, nestlings Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops) frequently suffer Necrotic Oropharyngeal Disease as a result infection Gongylonema sp., parasitic nematode transmitted adult owls to their offspring through diet, more specifically consumption pest species: oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis). We studied how presence cockroaches owl rates are affected urban features such green areas. found higher number birds were parasite in initial period breeding season areas greater surface area spaces. suggest management should promote diversity insects so diversify dietary offer offspring, reduce prevalence improve success city this problem has not yet been described other cities.