MYCOSIS OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT IN PENGUINS

An analysis of the causes of death among penguins in the collection of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland at Edinburgh over a forty year period shows respiratory mycosis to be the most important cause of death. The disease is common in newly arrived birds and is usually well‐established before symptoms are detectable. The causal organism is almost always Aspergillus fumigalus but there is reason to believe that loss of condition is an important precursor to infection. The pathology of the disease in the penguin is similar to that described in other birds and the various forms of treatment tried have so far proved ineffective. Summary An account of respiratory mycosis in the penguin is given based on mortality records and post‐mortem studies carried out at Edinburgh. The disease is by far the largest single cause of death among these birds and reference is made to some less important causes. The organism responsible for the lesions is almost always Aspergillus fumigatus. In disoussing the incidence and pathogenesis of the disease it appears that other factors than the presence of the organism, notably loss of bodily condition due to transport or the strain of chick rearing, are necessary before the condition can become apparent. Diagnosis at an early stage is diffioult as symptoms are not shown until lesions are well established. One attempt to use an extract of the fungus given intradermally as a diagnostic agent proved unsuccessful. Various forms of treatment are described including the use of aerosol sprays, all of which have so far proved ineffective.