Author

Leith Thomson

Department of Conservation

Listed by name: these papers carry no ORCID for this author, so different people with the same name may be mixed together.

Biology Disciplines

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Microbiology· 2 Genomics· 1

Signature Assays, Organisms & Methods

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Approach:experimental assay· 2 Assay:metagenomics· 2 Organism:multiple species· 2 Research Focus:ecology & biodiversity· 1 Research Focus:GWAS / association mapping· 1 Research Focus:host-pathogen & immune response· 1 Approach:statistical model· 1 Assay:whole-genome sequencing· 1

Frequent Co-Authors

Jemma L. GeogheganiD· 3 shared Melanie J. YoungiD· 3 shared Thor T. RuruiD· 3 shared Ben Alai· 2 shared Brodie Philp· 2 shared Chrissy Wickes· 2 shared David Houston· 2 shared Graeme ElliottiD· 2 shared

Activity by Year

2025-2026 · peak 2/yr

Co-Author Collaboration Network

10 top collaborators · 45 mutual co-author links

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Curved chords = mutual co-authorship

3 shared papersMicrobiology

Jemma L. GeogheganORCID

Mutual co-authors in cluster

Author profile →

3 papers

Recent·Most cited

Population genomics of yellow-eyed penguins uncovers subspecies divergence and candidate genes linked to respiratory distress syndrome

Joseph G. Guhlin, Janelle R. Wierenga, Jordan Douglas, Puawai Swindells-Wallace, Hoani Langsbury, Trudi A. Webster, Melanie J. Young, Hendrik Schultz, Jordana Whyte, Bryony Alden, Thor T. Ruru, Leith Thomson, Jason van Zanten, Megan Abbott, Jim Watts, , Jemma L. Geoghegan

The paper uses population genomics to identify three yellow-eyed penguin subspecies and links candidate genes to respiratory distress syndrome.

Nature Ecology & Evolution · May 12, 2026Peer-reviewedGenomics

Foraging ecology drives viral community structure in New Zealand's aquatic birds

Stephanie J Waller, Janelle R Wierenga, Lia Heremia, Jessica A Darnley, Isa de Vries, Jeremy Dubrulle, Zoe Robinson, Allison K Miller, Chris N Niebuhr, David S Melville, Rob Schuckard, Phil F Battley, Michelle Wille, Ben Alai, Rosalind Cole, , Jemma L. Geoghegan

This study identifies viral communities in New Zealand's aquatic birds, showing that foraging behavior influences viral diversity and reveals novel viruses and mammalian-associated pathogens.

bioRxiv · Dec 9, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology

Avian influenza virus surveillance across New Zealand and its subantarctic islands detects H1N9 in migratory shorebirds, but not 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1

Stephanie J. Waller, Janelle R. Wierenga, Lia Heremia, Jessica A. Darnley, Isa de Vries, Jeremy Dubrulle, Zoe Robinson, Allison K. Miller, Chris N. Niebuhr, David S. Melville, Rob Schuckard, Phil F. Battley, Michelle Wille, Ben Alai, Rosalind Cole, , Jemma L. Geoghegan

The study sampled wild birds in New Zealand and its territories, finding no HPAI H5N1 but detecting H1N9 in red knots during 2023-2024 migration.

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses · Mar 27, 2025Peer-reviewedMicrobiology