Unique -associated histologic lesions in white-rumped shama ().

Twenty-one white-rumped shamas (19 necropsied, 2 biopsied) () housed at the San Diego Zoo between 1992 and 2020 were diagnosed with infection based on evaluation of histologic sections. Review of these cases revealed a consistent histologic lesion characterized by nodular aggregates of atypical epithelioid macrophages containing few intracytoplasmic protozoa, with or without lymphocytic infiltrates. Of the 19 necropsied cases, 16 (84%) had systemic lesions variably affecting the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, lung, pancreas, connective tissues, or bone marrow, while all 21 diagnosed cases had skin involvement.

OUTCOMES OF TRANSPLACENTAL TRANSMISSION OF FROM CHRONICALLY INFECTED FEMALE RED RUFFED LEMURS ().

Ten red ruffed lemurs ()-two adult females and their eight offspring-were evaluated in this case series. Two adult females were diagnosed with chronic, latent toxoplasmosis based on serologic testing. The first female lemur had two successive pregnancies.

Resolution of a Localized Granuloma Caused by Complex on the Cere of a Bruce's Green Pigeon ().

A 3-year-old female Bruce's green pigeon () was presented with granulomatous inflammation of the cere and underlying tissues with osteomyelitis and bone proliferation of the dorsal premaxilla. Biopsy and culture revealed the presence of complex, and multi-antimicrobial treatment was initiated with clarithromycin, ethambutol, rifabutin, and enrofloxacin. The cere lesion improved and no evidence of systemic granulomas was observed over 4 months of treatment, although leukocytosis and monocytosis persisted.

Elaeophora in the meninges of a Malayan sambar (Rusa unicolor equina).

An adult nematode was grossly identified in the meninges of a Malayan sambar (Rusa unicolor equina), with numerous microfilariae associated with encephalitis and vasculitis on histopathology. The nematode was confirmed to be Elaeophora schneideri by sequencing a portion of the 18S rRNA gene. Our report highlights the potential for aberrant migration of E.

Systemic effects of Leucaena leucocephala ingestion on ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar.

Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) is a leguminous tree that is nutritious forage for domestic livestock when ingested in limited amounts. Unfortunately, leucaena contains mimosine, a plant amino acid, that can be toxic when ingested at higher concentrations. Reported toxic effects include alopecia (fur loss), poor body condition, infertility, low birth weight, thyroid gland dysfunction, and organ toxicity.

Gastric pneumatosis with associated eosinophilic gastritis in four black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata).

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) with associated eosinophilic inflammation was documented in the gastric tissues of four black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata). Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon disease described in humans and characterized by multilocular gas-filled cystic spaces located within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. These cystic spaces can occur in any location along the gastrointestinal tract as well as within the associated connective and lymphatic tissues.

Disseminated coccidoidomycosis in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

A16-yr-old male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) presented for nonspecific signs of illness and weight loss. Despite 2 mo of diagnostics and supportive care, the koala's health declined and euthanasia was elected. On histopathologic examination, lesions containing fungal organisms morphologically consistent with coccidioidomycosis were found in the lung, liver, spleen, kidney, lymph node, heart, eye, and bone marrow.

Patterns of mortality in free-ranging California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus).

We document causes of death in free-ranging California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus) from the inception of the reintroduction program in 1992 through December 2009 to identify current and historic mortality factors that might interfere with establishment of self-sustaining populations in the wild. A total of 135 deaths occurred from October 1992 (the first post-release death) through December 2009, from a maximum population-at-risk of 352 birds, for a cumulative crude mortality rate of 38%. A definitive cause of death was determined for 76 of the 98 submitted cases, 70% (53/76) of which were attributed to anthropogenic causes.

Investigation of factors predicting disease among zoo birds exposed to avian mycobacteriosis.

Objective: To characterize infection patterns and identify factors associated with avian mycobacteriosis among zoo birds that were housed with infected enclosure mates.

Design: Matched case-control study.

Animals: 79 birds with avian mycobacteriosis (cases) and 316 nondiseased birds (controls) of similar age and taxonomic group that were present in the bird collection of the Zoological Society of San Diego from 1991 through 2005.

Hepatic hemorrhage, hemocoelom, and sudden death due to Haemoproteus infection in passerine birds: eleven cases.

Haemoproteus spp. are ancient apicomplexan hemoparasites that have undergone extensive coevolution with their natural hosts and are typically species specific, with inapparent or minimal pathogenicity. A promiscuous genotype of Haemoproteus capable of undergoing host switching on a familial level was identified.

Investigation of characteristics and factors associated with avian mycobacteriosis in zoo birds.

The objective of the current study was to identify factors associated with avian mycobacteriosis in zoo birds. Inventory data, population health records, and necropsy data from eligible birds in the Zoological Society of San Diego's (ZSSD) collection from 1991-2005 (n = 13,976) were used to describe disease incidence, prevalence, and postmortem findings. A matched case-control study was then conducted to identify factors describing demographic, temporal, and enclosure characteristics, along with move and exposure histories.

Evaluation of iron status in lemurs by analysis of serum iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation.

Objective: To assess serum iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation as indicators of iron metabolic status in 3 genera of lemurs and determine whether these variables are useful for screening for iron overload.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Animals: 11 ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), 11 black lemurs (Eulemur macaco macaco), and 11 red-ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra).

Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase as a prognostic indicator of neonatal viability in nondomestic ruminants.

Rapid assessment of immune status in neonatal ruminants of endangered species facilitates early intervention in cases of inadequate passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulins. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was used to evaluate suspected passive transfer status in 25 North Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis), 45 Cretan goats (Capra algagrus cretica), 20 white-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris), 25 Mhorr gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr), and 31 Soemmerring's gazelles (Gazella soemmerringi soemmerringi). Serum GGT, measured within 48 hr of birth, was compared with clinical condition at 5 days of age.

Systemic disease in Vaal rhebok (Pelea capreolus) caused by mycoplasmas in the mycoides cluster.

In the winter of 2002, an outbreak of mycoplasma infection in Vaal rhebok (Pelea capreolus) originating from South Africa occurred 15 weeks after their arrival in San Diego, Calif. Three rhebok developed inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, signs related to pulmonary or arthral dysfunction, and sepsis. All three rhebok died or were euthanized.

Malignant catarrhal fever-like disease in Barbary red deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) naturally infected with a virus resembling alcelaphine herpesvirus 2.

Eight Barbary red deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) developed clinical signs suggestive of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) over a 28-day period. These animals were housed outdoors with four other species of ruminants. Affected red deer had lethargy, ocular signs, and nasal discharge and were euthanatized within 48 h.

Detection of virus-like particles in the liver of black and white ruffed lemurs with hepatitis.

Two young black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) died at the San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California, USA) with extensive liver lesions suggestive of acute viral infection. Immunoassays performed to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers were negative. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers overlapping the HBV core gene produced an amplicon of approximately 411 base pairs (bp) from serum DNA of a HBV-positive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) but not from serum DNA of either lemur.