Avian malaria may be killing Seattle zoo penguins

SEATTLE — Officials at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle suspect avian malaria has killed two penguins.

A 21-year-old penguin known as Burkles died Tuesday of complications from the suspected case of the parasitic blood disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The bird had been showing symptoms since last week and was given a blood transfusion.

The disease also is suspected of killing a penguin earlier this month, although it was initially reported the bird had eaten some sealant used on a pipe in its exhibit.

The zoo reports it is treating three other penguins showing avian malaria symptoms, including loss of appetite.

The zoo says visitors are not at risk of contracting the disease from birds or mosquitoes.