Avian malaria is A serious INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Avian malaria threatens penguins and other non‑native birds in human care.
Humans are not the only animals that are affected by malaria. Many bird species can become infected and even die. Human malaria is caused by five specific Plasmodium species and transmitted only by Anopheles mosquitoes, while avian malaria affects birds and is caused by dozens of Plasmodium species, transmitted by other mosquito species, such as Culex. Although it cannot infect people, it can be fatal to birds that have no natural immunity. APEC is committed to helping zoological partners protect vulnerable species through science‑based mosquito management and proactive disease prevention. Many wild bird species have evolved natural resistance, but penguins and other birds from mosquito‑free regions have little to no immunity. Penguins are especially vulnerable to avian malaria because they evolved in mosquito-free environments and lack natural immunity. Even a single infected mosquito can cause fatal disease. That’s why proactive mosquito control and treatment protocols are essential in zoological settings.
Safeguarding Penguins and Susceptible Species from Mosquito‑
Why Penguins are Especially at Risk
Why Penguins are Especially at Risk
Why Penguins are Especially at Risk
Protecting penguins requires reducing mosquito contact as much as possible.
- Penguins evolved in environments with no mosquito exposure
- Their immune systems do not recognize or fight the parasite effectively
- Infections can progress rapidly and may be fatal without early intervention
- Outbreaks often occur silently, with few early warning signs
Malaria in penguins can be treated, but the medications used to kill the parasite may cause side effects, and it’s not yet known whether penguins experience the same reactions documented in humans.
Integrated Mosquito Management
Why Penguins are Especially at Risk
Why Penguins are Especially at Risk
Controlling mosquitoes is essential for reducing the risk of mosquito‑borne diseases in both humans and animals. The most effective approach is Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM), which uses several methods together:
- Surveillance: Identifies which mosquito species are present and how many, guiding all control decisions.
- Source Reduction: Removes standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs, preventing them from hatching.
- Chemical Control: Uses larvicides and, when necessary, adulticides. IMM prioritizes larval control because stopping mosquitoes early is most effective.
- Exclusion: Keeps mosquitoes out of sensitive areas using screens, netting, and other barriers.
IMM focuses on reducing adult mosquito populations by targeting them at every stage of their life cycle.
Discover How APEC is Helping to Protect birds in zoos
Current Initiatives
APEC is actively expanding its mosquito-borne disease prevention program, including:
- Collaborations with zoological partners
- Development of facility‑specific mosquito‑management plans
- Ongoing research to improve prevention strategies
- Public education on mosquito‑borne threats to wildlife
Partner with APEC
Whether you manage a zoo, aquarium, aviary, or conservation program, APEC can help you build a safer environment for your birds.
Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities and customized mosquito‑management solutions.