The avian blood parasite Leuaxytnwon
tawaki has been found in wild Fiordland
crested penguins (Eudyptes pachyrhynclrus)
in New Zealand (Fallis et al. 1976). The
vector is a simuliid fly Austrosimu/ium
ungulatum. A Little penguin also became
infected when exposed to simuliid flies
alongside an infected Fiordland penguin.
L. tawaki does not appear to be a serious
pathogen of these penguins. Aleucocytozoon
also believed to be L. tawaki has
been recorded in blood smears from
African penguins