A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN ENDANGERED FORMOSAN PANGOLINS (MANIS PENTADACTYLA PENTADACTYLA) FROM SOUTHEASTERN TAIWAN

Abstract

Formosan pangolin, a sub-species of Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered insectivorous mammal found only in Taiwan. Pathological studies are helpful in the diagnosis and investigation of wildlife diseases. Pathological findings in pangolins have not been well documented. The present paper reports the pathological findings of 14 free-ranging Formosan pangolins. External injuries and superficial wounds (6/14) were common finding in gross examination and were mostly found in the legs. Respiratory system (78%, 11/14) lesions included interstitial pneumonia, atelectasis and emphysema. Hepatic changes (43%, 6/14) included necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia, lipidosis and extensive hepatocyte degeneration. Parasites were detected in 57% of pangolins (8/14) studied and included both endoparasites and ectoparasites. Urinary system (21%, 3/14) lesions were interstitial nephritis and nephrolithiasis. Brain lesions were found in three pangolins and included cerebral edema and hemorrhage and ventriculitis. Additional pathological lesions included thyroid gland hyperplasia and left ventricular hypertrophy. The presented pathological findings can aid in the understanding of diseases of pangolins and will contribute knowledge to future investigations on diseases of pangolins.

Fatal canine parvovirus‐2 (CPV‐2) infection in a rescued free‐ranging Taiwanese pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla )

“…The most common reported causes of trauma involve gin traps and attack by stray dogs (Khatri‐Chhetri et al, ; Sun et al, ). However, other aetiologies such as infectious agents and toxins may also contribute to morbidity and mortality in wild Taiwanese pangolins (Khatri‐Chhetri et al, ). Documented dog attacks in rescued Taiwanese pangolins provide evidence of direct contact and habitat overlapping between free‐ranging Taiwanese pangolins and carnivores, especially stray dogs (Chin & Tsao, ; Sun et al, ).…”

Mortality and morbidity in wild Taiwanese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla)

“…Other medical conditions resulting in mortality and morbidity in the Taiwanese pangolin include diarrhea, emaciation and abscessation. Autopsy records revealed that gastric ulcers are common in this species [16–17] and might act as a contributing factor for diarrhea. Furthermore, a depletion of food resources due to human activity may cause emaciation and stress in the Taiwanese pangolin, conditions which are also correlated to gastric ulcers.…”

“…Additionally, the results from pathological analysis of dead pangolins found pneumonia and gastric ulcers to be the primary causes of mortality in wild pangolins from northern Taiwan [16]. Recently, Khatri-Chhetri et al [17] found a high prevalence of hepatic and respiratory lesions in dead pangolins from southeastern Taiwan. They proposed this might be a result of long-term exposure to toxins in the environment, due to pesticides and herbicides commonly used on Taiwanese farms.…”

Canine Parvovirus Infections in Taiwanese Pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla)

“…11 Necatoriasis has also been reported in rescued Taiwanese pangolins in Southeastern Taiwan. 15 Thus, hookworm and parvoviral infections are differential diagnoses for melena or hemorrhagic enteritis in pangolins.…”

“…18,36 A retrospective study of pathological findings related to Taiwanese pangolins revealed various bacterial and parasitic infections but no viral agents. 15 Here, we provide pathological and molecular evidence of parvoviral infection causing enteritis in recently rescued Taiwanese pangolins critically ill with diarrhea.…”