Plasmodium matutinum transmitted by Culex pipiens as a cause of Avian Malaria in captive South African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) in Italy. Plasmodium matutinum transmitted by Culex pipiens

We provided information about the presence and circulation of Plasmodium spp. in mosquitoes in central Italy (Rome, Italy) by sampling mosquitoes in both zoos (Zoomarine, Bioparco) where penguins mortalities occurred. We demonstrated that Plasmodium matutinum was the aetiological agent responsible for the deaths and Culex pipiens the probable vector.