ROTAVIRUS (REOVIRUS-LIKE) INFECTION OF NEONATAL RUMINANTS IN A ZOO NURSERY

An outbreak of a pneumoenteric disease occurred in neonates in a zoo nursery. Four of seven affected animals died. Rotaviruses were observed in the feces of an affected 4-day old impala (Aepyceros melampus), a Thomson's gazelle (Gazella thomsonii) and an addax (Addax nasomaculatus). Encapsulated Escherichia coli also were isolated from the feces. The recovered rotaviruses were antigenically related to bovine rotavirus. A bovine rotavirus vaccine was given orally and no adverse effects were noted.