Nationwide Survey about the Occurrence of Aspergillosis in Captive Penguins in Zoos and Aquariums in Japan

Abstract

We surveyed the facilities that were members of the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums to clarify the incidence of aspergillosis, which is a major cause of death in captive penguins, and to discern effective preventive measures. Responses were obtained for 2910 penguins in 64 facilities; 73 penguins (2.5%) in 35 facilities had died from aspergillosis during the past 5 years from April 2016 to March 2021. Answers to questions about the rearing environment indicated that aspergillosis occurred significantly more often in facilities where penguins were reared outdoors, were in contact with soil, or were moved outside of the rearing enclosure. Answers to questions about their dead penguins indicated that 76% may have been at individual risk (e.g., young age, old age, molting period, and breeding season) and 54% were thought to be reared in uncomfortable environments (e.g., high temperature, high humidity). Aspergillosis may occur when individual risk factors and uncomfortable environmental factors are added to the risk factors of exposure to Aspergillus, such as the presence of soil. These conditions must be recognized as risk factors for aspergillosis, and appropriate preventive measures, such as avoiding penguin contact with the soil where Aspergillus is expected to be present, can minimize aspergillosis-related deaths.

Usefulness of combining computed tomography and air sac fluid examination to rule out aspergillosis: case study in two gentoo penguins (<i>Pygoscelis papua</i>) with respiratory clinical signs

“…Hence, assuming the worst possible scenario of aspergillosis, penguins that exhibit respiratory clinical signs are often administered antifungal drugs without pathogen identification. Additionally, healthy penguins are sometimes administered antifungal drugs as a preventive measure [ 3 , 6 ]. Consequently, fungi might develop resistance to antifungal drugs through their extensive use [ 9 , 11 , 13 ], potentially causing adverse effects with long-term drug administration.…”