Penguins at Dudley Zoo
Penguins are significantly vulnerable to avian malaria, which is unfold by way of mosquitos (Image: SWNS)

An outbreak of avian malaria has killed greater than two thirds of the biggest Humboldt penguin colonies within the UK.

Keepers at Dudley Zoo have been left ‘heartbroken’ after round 50 of the 69 birds of their care succumbed to the parasitic illness.

A spokeswoman mentioned the scenario was ‘nonetheless ongoing’ on Saturday morning and round 70% of the colony had already been worn out.

Penguins are significantly vulnerable to avian malaria, which is transmitted by means of the chunk of contaminated mosquitos and can't be handed from animals to people.

Regardless of the perfect efforts of veterinary consultants and workers on the West Midlands zoo mentioned the outbreak couldn't be stopped.

Keepers at the moment are working to deal with the remaining birds and put in place preventative measures to ‘keep away from (the) tragedy occurring once more’, the zoo mentioned.

Zoo director Derek Grove mentioned: ‘We're all heartbroken with the massive loss in Penguin Bay and it’s been an particularly distressing time for our hen crew who've devoted years to their care.’

Stock take with Humboldt penguins at Dudley Zoo. Around 50 penguins at Dudley Zoo - about 70 per cent of the colony - have died of avian malaria, devastated officials have revealed.
Round 70% of the zoo’s Humboldt penguin colony had already been wiped (Image: SWNS)
Humboldt penguins at Dudley Zoo. Around 50 penguins at Dudley Zoo - about 70 per cent of the colony - have died of avian malaria, devastated officials have revealed.
Beginning out with 5 hand-reared chicks in 1991, the Zoo had gone onto to develop one of many largest self-sustained colonies within the nation (Image: SWNS)
Humboldt penguins at Dudley Zoo. Around 50 penguins at Dudley Zoo - about 70 per cent of the colony - have died of avian malaria, devastated officials have revealed.
Keepers at Dudley Zoo have been left ‘heartbroken’ and say the scenario is ‘nonetheless ongoing’ (Image: SWNS)

Dudley Zoo mentioned it has had a profitable breeding programme for Humboldt penguins over the previous 30 years.

Beginning out with 5 hand-reared chicks in 1991, it had gone onto to develop one of many largest self-sustained colonies within the nation, it mentioned.

Mr Grove mentioned penguins should not have pure resistance to the illness and it isn't simply identifiable on assessments, making the scenario tougher to regulate.

‘Fortunately, occurrences like this are uncommon and in over three a long time we’ve by no means skilled something prefer it earlier than,’ he added.

‘We have no idea if final 12 months’s uncommon climate sample has performed a component, with moist and muggy climate not solely impacting the penguin’s moulting season, but in addition growing the danger of mosquitos – however what we do know is we now must deal with persevering with to deal with the remaining birds and putting in extra preventative measures to keep away from this tragedy occurring once more.’

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