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Aspergillosis in free-ranging Magellanic penguins
Aryse Martins Melo1,2, Vanice Rodrigues Poester3, Mariana Rodrigues Trápaga3
1Microbiology and Parasitology Post-Graduate Program, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil.
Medical Mycology
|February 10, 2023
Summary
Aspergillosis is a significant cause of death in migrating Magellanic penguins. This study confirms it as an important mortality factor in free-ranging penguins along Brazil's southern coast.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Wildlife health
- Mycology
Background:
- Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species.
- Penguins are susceptible to aspergillosis, particularly in stressful conditions.
- Limited data exists on aspergillosis mortality in free-ranging penguins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mortality rate of aspergillosis in Magellanic penguins.
- To investigate aspergillosis as a cause of death during migration and the reproductive season.
- To assess the implications for One Health.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy of 98 Magellanic penguin carcasses collected along the Southern Brazil coast (2017-2019) and Patagonian Argentina (2019).
- Diagnosis of aspergillosis through proven cases during necropsy.
- Evaluation of mortality during migration and reproductive periods.
Main Results:
- Aspergillosis was diagnosed in 2.5% of evaluated penguins during their migration.
- This study is the first to report aspergillosis as a significant cause of mortality in free-ranging penguins on Brazil's southern coast.
- Findings highlight the impact of fungal infections on wild penguin populations.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillosis represents a notable cause of mortality in free-ranging Magellanic penguins.
- The study underscores the importance of considering fungal diseases in wildlife health assessments.
- Results have implications for One Health, connecting animal, human, and environmental health.
