Back to Search Start Over

MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM IN PYGMY RABBITS (BRACHYLAGUS IDAHOENSIS): 28 CASES

Authors :
Nina L. Woodford
John P. Bannantine
Terry M. Phillips
Mitchell V. Finnegan
Charles A. Peloquin
Michael L. Paustian
W. Ray Waters
Lisa A. Harrenstien
Kristin G. Mansfield
Michael M. Garner
Antony C. Bakke
Source :
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 37:498-512
Publication Year :
2006
Publisher :
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, 2006.

Abstract

The Columbia basin subpopulation of pygmy rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis was listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in November 2001, and no pygmy rabbits have been seen in the wild since spring 2002. Captive propagation efforts have attempted to increase population size in preparation for reintroduction of animals into central Washington. Disseminated mycobacteriosis due to Mycobacterium avium has been the most common cause of death of adult captive pygmy rabbits. Between June 2002 and September 2004, mycobacteriosis was diagnosed in 28 captive adult pygmy rabbits (representing 29% of the captive population), in contrast to 18 adult pygmy rabbits dying of all other causes in the same time period. Antemortem and postmortem medical records were evaluated retrospectively to describe the clinical course of mycobacteriosis in pygmy rabbits, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results in the diagnosis of mycobacteriosis in pygmy rabbits. Various treatment protocols, possible risk factors for mortality, and recommendations for prevention of mycobacteriosis were evaluated also. Compromised cell-mediated immunity appears to be the best explanation at this time for the observed high morbidity and mortality from mycobacterial infections in pygmy rabbits.

Details

ISSN :
19372825 and 10427260
Volume :
37
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....d2a61c098ea640d71e67550bb9a37c15
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1638/05-002.1