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Also known as: '''''Bird malaria'''''
Also known as: '''''Bird/Avian Malaria'''''
Caused by: '''''[[Palsmodium|Plasmodium spp.]]'''''
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Avian malaria is caused by distinct species of a protozoan blood parasite, '''''Plasmodium'', that is transmitted by mosquitoes'''. There are about 30 species of ''Plasmodium'' that infect birds worldwide.
Avian malaria is caused by distinct species of a protozoan blood parasite, '''''Plasmodium'', that is transmitted by mosquitoes'''. There are about 30 species of ''Plasmodium'' that infect birds worldwide.
''Plasmodium'' can be pathogenic to penguins, domestic poultry, ducks, canaries, falcons, and pigeons, but is most commonly carried asymptomatically by '''passerine birds'''. Avian malaria has a worldwide distribution and is endemic to parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and certain Caribbean islands. It is of great economic significance to the poultry industry. Organisms such as ''P. gallinaceum'', ''P. juxtanucleare'' and ''P. durae'' may cause up to 90% mortality in poultry.
''[[Plasmodium]]'' can be pathogenic to penguins, domestic poultry, ducks, canaries, falcons, and pigeons, but is most commonly carried asymptomatically by '''passerine birds'''. Avian malaria has a worldwide distribution and is endemic to parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and certain Caribbean islands. It is of great economic significance to the poultry industry. Organisms such as ''P. gallinaceum'', ''P. juxtanucleare'' and ''P. durae'' may cause up to 90% mortality in poultry.
Birds with avian malaria have been used as model systems for studying the pathogenesis and treatment of '''malaria in humans'''.
Birds with avian malaria have been used as model systems for studying the pathogenesis and treatment of '''malaria in humans'''.
Most avian infections occur through the bite of a mosquito but it is possible for a '''direct bird-to-bird transmission''' to occur. Schizogony occurs in the RBC and, therefore, blood-to-blood transfer without the intermediate host can result in infection.
Most avian infections occur through the bite of a mosquito but it is possible for a '''direct bird-to-bird transmission''' to occur. Schizogony occurs in the RBC and, therefore, blood-to-blood transfer without the intermediate host can result in infection.
The life cycle of avian malaria is very similar to that seen in infected human beings.
The [[Plasmodium|life cycle]] of avian malaria is very similar to that seen in infected human beings.
==Clinical signs==
==Clinical Signs==
Infected birds are '''weak, depressed and anorexic'''. Abdominal protrusion due to '''splenomegaly''' may be present.
Infected birds are '''weak, depressed and anorexic'''. Abdominal protrusion due to '''splenomegaly''' may be present.
Affected flocks can be treated with '''Chloroquine phosphate potentiated with primaquine'''. Chloroquine can also be added to the drinking water. Grape or orange juice may be needed to override the bitter taste of the medication.
Affected flocks can be treated with '''Chloroquine phosphate potentiated with primaquine'''. Chloroquine can also be added to the drinking water. Grape or orange juice may be needed to override the bitter taste of the medication.
Additional treatments include sulfonamides combined with trimethoprim, pyrimethamine, and chlorguanil. Due to strain differences in susceptiblity, different anti-malarial drugs can be tried.
Additional treatments include sulfonamides combined with trimethoprim, pyrimethamine, and chlorguanil. Due to strain differences in susceptibility, different anti-malarial drugs can be tried.
As treatment is '''often unrewarding and re-infections are common''', malaria prevention is favoured by '''installing screens in chicken houses''' to prevent contact with the mosquito vectors.
As treatment is '''often unrewarding and re-infections are common''', malaria prevention is favoured by '''installing screens in chicken houses''' to prevent contact with the mosquito vectors.
Williams RB (2005) '''Avian Malaria: clinical and chemical pathology of ''Plasmodium gallinaceum'' in the domesticated fowl ''Gallus gallus''''' ''Avian Pathology'' 34(1), 29-47
Williams RB (2005) '''Avian Malaria: clinical and chemical pathology of ''Plasmodium gallinaceum'' in the domesticated fowl ''Gallus gallus''''' ''Avian Pathology'' 34(1), 29-47
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[[Category:Lymphoreticular and Haematopoietic Diseases - Birds]]