Exmoor zoo's, reportedly much loved, Humboldt penguin colony (established when the zoo was first opened in the 1980s) has been been completely wiped out by an avian malaria outbreak (Https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/27/penguins-die-at-exmoor-zoo-in-devon). it seems likely that the birds were moulting at the time they were infected by biting insects (making biting easier and it more difficult for keepers to assess the health and vitality of the penguins?). This protozoan parasite fortunately does not infect Mammals (so keepers and visitors were never at risk) but one might ask whether changes in the climate are influencing the activities (and range?) of the insect vectors. Perhaps human malaria will return to the UK of its own volition rather than being an occasional consequence of an 'exotic' holiday?
No comments:
Post a Comment