The Epidemiology of Avian Malaria in Black-Footed Penguins (Spheniscus demersus)

Abstract

An understanding of the epidemiology of avian malaria in penguins is essential to the proper management of these birds in captivity. Both species of malaria known to affect penguins, Plasmodium relictum and Plasmodium elongatum, are capable of causing an acute and often fatal disease in penguins.3'4'6'8'10'14'15'16'17 Considerable work has been devoted to the study of avian malaria, and pathological descriptions for malaria in penguins exist in the literature.3'4'6'15 Preventative measures, therapy, and diagnostic techniques have also been studied.6'16'17 In-depth studies of the epidemiology of malaria in penguins have not been done to confirm the many assumptions forming the basis for captive penguin management programs around the world. This paper summarizes a study of the epidemiology of malaria in African Black footed Penguins at the Baltimore Zoo. Individual penguin susceptibility, disease reservoirs, mosquito vectors, host-vector contact, and transmission are examined.