Bumblefoot in Penguins

Bumblefoot, also known as ulcerative pododermatitis, is a common bacterial infection that occurs on the feet of penguins as well as other birds and animals. The bacteria naturally occurs in the animal’s environment and infection breaks out when there is a scrape or cut in the skin.

Despite it’s quirky name, Bumblefoot can be fatal if left untreated. Warning signs include limping, lopsided posture and lying down for extended periods of time.

Find out more about Bumblefoot in this article by Louise Chiverton of Penguins International: https://www.penguinsinternational.org/bumblefoot-in-penguins/

In December 2010, Natasha Lotter investigated the use of Phototherapy for the treatment of Pododermatitis (Bumble-foot) in Coastal SeaBirds. It was found that phototherapy can be relied on as a tool for the supportive treatment of various conditions and prevents exacerbation of acute inflammation. There is a lot more to read in the study and the full 58 page document can be downloaded by clicking the button below. Further research is rquired to investigate the health of sea birds in general, with scope for further investigation of phototherapy.

The Photizo Team are looking forward to the forthcoming AZEVN conference at West Midland Safari Park and meeting their penguins.

Find out more about Photizo Vetcare by clicking the link below: