6-6-07 - Two penguins who died at the Sedgwick County Zoo last week were victims of avian malaria. Pathology tests on the Humboldt penguins revealed the cause of death, which occurred just days after the new exhibit opened.

Zoo officials say humans are not susceptible to avian malaria.

“The organism that causes avian malaria is completely different than the organism that causes human malaria,” said Sr. Veterinarian William M. Bryant, DVM, “Mosquitoes only transfer this disease from one bird to another bird.”

All the Humboldt penguins have been given a daily preventative medicine for avian malaria since their arrival to Wichita. However, in the case of these two birds it did not prevent the disease from taking their lives.

Another penguin, that was showing mild symptoms of illness earlier this week was given antibiotics, and is now receiving early treatment for avian malaria. The bird is already showing improvement.

“Knowing now that avian malaria was the cause of death in two of our penguins – we are able to provide early treatment for avian malaria in any bird that shows mild symptoms of illness,” said Bryant. “We monitor the health of all our birds daily. The penguin colony is very active and currently not showing any symptoms of ill health.”

In addition to preventative medicine and early treatment another way to prevent avian malaria from spreading bird to bird is to reduce mosquito population. Sedgwick County Zoo has a regular mosquito abatement program that includes:

- Insect growth inhibitors for standing water/drains

- Removal of standing water in Zoo where applicable

- Introduction of mosquito-eating fish into Zoo waterways