High prevalence of avian malaria infection to avifauna at Cape Receife, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

This investigation was undertaken during January and February 2004, to determine the epidemiological risk of avian malaria infection to seabirds at the proposed marine animal rehabilitation complex, to be sited at Cape Receife. Despite low numbers of mosquitoes trapped, the incidence of avian malaria infections was 87.3% of infected birds. This was extremely high, contrasting strongly with other findings. The reason is unclear, but may be attributed to the presence of Water Lettuce Pista stratiotes modifying the habitat, whereby the incidence of mosquitoes may be abnormally high.