Malaria is a disease that most people associate with humans and mosquitoes, especially in parts of the world where warm, humid climates allow these insects to thrive. But anyone who lives with pets or works with animals might have wondered, can animals get malaria as well?

Malaria is caused by parasites from the Plasmodium genus, which are known to infect a variety of species. The disease is spread by mosquito bites, specifically from mosquitoes of the Anopheles type, which act as carriers. While the most well-known forms of malaria affect humans, some animals can contract versions of the disease as well. However, the likelihood and type of infection depends heavily on the species in question.

Malaria in Animals

The short answer to can animals get malaria is yes, but not in the same way or with the same frequency as humans. In fact, malaria-like diseases have been found in a range of animals including birds, reptiles, and particularly non-human primates. Some monkey species, such as macaques, can be infected with strains of Plasmodium that are closely related to those that affect humans. In rare cases, a strain called Plasmodium knowlesi, which typically affects monkeys in Southeast Asia, has also been transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.

Wild birds can also carry avian malaria, caused by different species of Plasmodium that don’t affect humans. This version of the disease can sometimes pose serious threats to bird populations, especially in ecosystems where the parasite is newly introduced.

What about Pets?

The question can cats get malaria is cause for concern for pet owners. The answer is no, at least not the same kind that infects humans. Domestic cats are not natural hosts for the Plasmodium parasites responsible for human malaria. There are no common or documented cases of cats contracting or spreading the disease.

That said, cats are not completely immune to vector-borne illnesses. They can still suffer from other mosquito-borne conditions like heartworm disease. However, when it comes to malaria specifically, there's no need to worry about your cat catching it or passing it along.

Unless you are caring for exotic primates or working in veterinary science, malaria is not something pet owners typically need to worry about when it comes to animals. The disease is highly specific in terms of the host-parasite relationship, meaning the parasite species that infect humans are not generally capable of infecting other animals and vice versa.

However, the best way to reduce the spread of malaria (in any species) is to manage mosquito exposure. This includes using screens, insect repellents, and avoiding standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Conclusion

In some cases, primates and certain birds are among the few that can get malaria. But when it comes to pets like cats, there’s no significant risk of malaria infection. While the topic is an interesting one, there’s little need for concern unless you're working closely with wildlife in malaria-prone regions. For most pet owners, routine mosquito prevention is more about protecting against other insect-borne illnesses, not malaria. Still, learning how diseases like these function across species helps broaden our understanding of both human and animal health.