Study of avian malaria in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) kept in selected Brazilian coast rehabilitation centers

Abstract

The Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) inhabits Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands, and regularly visits the Brazilian continental platform during its winter migration. A considerable portion of these animals reach the Brazilian beaches in poor health, receiving care in several Rehabilitation Centers (RCs) distributed along the Brazilian coast. During the period of rehabilitation at these institutions, one of the most relevant infectious diseases that affect these animals is Avian Malaria, a sudden and fulminant disorder that results in high mortality rates. Although there are many reports of Avian Malaria outbreaks in Brazil, it is unclear if the infection occurs in the wild or in the RCs. It is also unknown why the plasmodial infection, typically mild or subclinical in other bird species, is so harmful to the penguins; nor is it known how effective are the classic preventive measures that were empirically implemented in zoos and RCs throughout the world. Using biomolecular (PCR, genetic sequencing), serological (indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), hematological (thin blood smears) and pathological methods (necropsy, histopathology, tissue imprints), this research project intends to contribute to the understanding the Avian Malaria infection and mortality patterns in these migratory marine birds in RCs throughout the Brazilian coast and in captivity institutions. The results of this project will provide information that may help clarifying the role of this disease as a potential threat factor to the conservation of these birds, as well as discuss the preventive measures that might be necessary in the future. (AU)