Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Avian Malaria: A Problem with a Pioneering Solution
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Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 26, 2021
1. Avian Malaria: A Problem with a Pioneering Solution Marker
One of the greatest health challenges facing African penguins in Baltimore — and in other places where mosquitoes thrive — is avian malaria, a disease similar to human malaria that affects only birds. Avian malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. Every year, several of the Zoo's penguins test positive for the disease. With treatment, though, it is rare for one to become ill from it.
Over many years, and after much scientific research, The Maryland Zoo has become an international authority on avian malaria in penguins. Our veterinary team has developed protocols to detect and arrest the disease before it becomes life-threatening in an African penguin.
[Caption:]
In the Field
Dassen Island, South Africa
Working with a colleague on avian malaria research, Dr. Mike Cranfield of the Zoo's veterinary team draws blood from a wild penguin.
Avian malaria detection at the zoo, here's how it works:
1. Penguins new to the Zoo's colony, including chicks, are screened weekly during mosquito season for avian malaria blood samples.
2. The Zoo's veterinary technicians carefully examine each penguin's blood sample under a microscope. If the tiny malaria parasite is detected in any red blood cell, the Zoo's veterinarians immediately prescribe a ten-daycourse of anti-malaria medication.
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3. Early treatment allows affected penguins to survive and to develop natural immunity against future exposures to the disease.
Only 1 in 1,000 cells will be infected. It's like finding a needle in a haystack.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Science & Medicine.
Location. 39° 19.527′ N, 76° 38.699′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Druid Hill Park. Marker is at the intersection of African Journey and Buffalo Yard Road, on the right when traveling east on African Journey. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21211, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Penguin Coast (a few steps from this marker); Because penguins are birds, they must breed on land. (a few steps from this marker); To an African penguin, poop is not waste. (a few steps from this marker); Survival in the Wild / Research & Conservation (within shouting distance of this marker); Disaster at Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Help from the Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); Saving Penguins
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 26, 2021
2. Avian Malaria: A Problem with a Pioneering Solution Marker
Additional keywords. 🐧
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 26, 2021
3. Avian Malaria: A Problem with a Pioneering Solution Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
