Encephalomyelitis by Toxoplasma gondii in a captive fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)

Corpa, J. M.; García-Quirós, A.; Casares, M. D. M. Velasco; Gerique, A. C.; Carbonell, M. D.; Gómez-Muñoz, María Teresa; Uzal, Francisco A.; Ortega, J.

doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.018

Cited by 10 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most polyxenous parasites that is known and distributed worldwide. Though toxoplasmosis in zoo animals has been recognised as a significant cause of sporadic and epizootic mortalities and is implicated as an important threat to some endangered species, large-scale pathology studies have not been undertaken to date [ 4 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The current study reviews findings in 126 Toxoplasma cases across 31 mammalian and avian species over a 16-year study period.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxoplasmosis in Zoo Animals: A Retrospective Pathology Review of 126 Cases

Denk¹,

Neck

Khaliq

et al. 2022

Animals

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Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely successful zoonotic protozoan parasite that has been demonstrated in a wide range of endo- and poikilothermic species. Although infection is widespread amongst domestic animals, overt disease other than abortion in small ruminants is sporadic. This survey evaluates toxoplasmosis in zoo animals based on a systematic review of pathology archive material (n = 33,506 submissions) over a 16-year study period. A total of 126 submissions, deriving from 32 zoos, two educational facilities and two private owners, were included in the study, based on gross lesions, cytological, histological and immunohistological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Clinical history, signalment, annual distribution and post-mortem findings were evaluated. A total of 31 species (mammalian 97%/avian 3%) were represented in the study material. Ring-tailed lemurs, slender tailed meerkats, Pallas’ cats, and squirrel monkeys were most affected. An unusual outbreak occurred in Asian small-clawed otters, in which toxoplasmosis has not been reported to date. Clinically, adult animals presented with non-specific symptoms (anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, debilitation), neurological, gastrointestinal or respiratory signs and sudden death. Systemic disease predominated, with a propensity for encephalitis in meerkats and Pallas’ cats and systemic disease involving lymphoid tissues in ring-tailed lemurs. Cases in the UK occurred year-round, with species-specific peaks and increases between August and November. This study reinforces the importance of toxoplasmosis as a significant cause of sporadic and epizootic mortalities in a wide range of zoo animals. Feral cat control is crucial to reduce infection pressure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxoplasmosis in Zoo Animals: A Retrospective Pathology Review of 126 Cases

Denk¹,

Neck

Khaliq

et al. 2022

Animals

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“…Disease transmission from cats and dogs is a significant threat to the long-term health of endemic species. Fatal cases of Toxoplasma gondii infection have been recorded in captive fosas (Corpa et al, 2013) and lemurs (Juan-Sallés et al, 2011; Siskos et al, 2015), highlighting their vulnerability to lethal infections. Field studies of exotic carnivores in Ankarafantsika National Park have identified the occurrence of multiple viruses and parasites, including canine parovirus, feline calicivirus and T. gondii (Pomerantz et al, 2016), the latter prevalent in > 93% of captured wild fosas.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of habitat alteration and disturbance by humans and exotic species on fosaCryptoprocta feroxoccupancy in Madagascar's deciduous forests

Merson

Dollar

Tan

et al. 2019

Oryx

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Anthropogenic habitat alteration and invasive species are threatening carnivores globally. Understanding the impact of these factors is critical for creating localized, effective conservation programmes. Madagascar's Eupleridae have been described as the least studied and most threatened group of carnivores. We investigated the effects of habitat degradation and the presence of people and exotic species on the modelled occupancy of the endemic fosa Cryptoprocta ferox, conducting camera-trap surveys in two western deciduous forests, Ankarafantsika National Park and Andranomena Special Reserve. Our results indicated no clear patterns between habitat degradation and fosa occupancy but a strong negative association between cats Felis sp. and fosas. Cat occupancy was negatively associated with birds and positively associated with contiguous forest and narrow trails. In contrast, dog Canis lupus familiaris occupancy was best predicted by wide trails, degraded forest and exotic civets. Our results suggest fosas are capable of traversing degraded landscapes and, in the short term, are resilient to contiguous forest disturbance. However, high occupancy of cats and dogs in the landscape leads to resource competition through prey exploitation and interference, increasing the risk of transmission of potentially fatal diseases. Management strategies for exotic carnivores should be considered, to reduce the widespread predation of endemic species and the transmission of disease.

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“…Madagascar has no endemic felid, and the presence of Toxoplasma in free-ranging fosa indicates parasite spillover from an introduced cat species, either Felis catus or Felis silvestris. In a captive fosa, T. gondii caused encephalomyelitis resulting in ataxia, muscular atrophy, and eventually death (Corpa et al 2013). However, the high prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma detected in free-ranging fosa at both sites of this study suggests that Toxoplasma infection may not be universally lethal in fosa.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Antibodies to Selected Viruses and Parasites in Introduced and Endemic Carnivores in Western Madagascar

Pomerantz

Rasambainarivo

Dollar

et al. 2016

Journal of Wildlife Diseases

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Introduced animals impact endemic populations through predation, competition, and disease transmission. Populations of endemic carnivores in Madagascar are declining, and pathogens transmitted from introduced species may further endanger these unique species. We assessed the exposure of introduced and endemic carnivores to common viral and parasitic pathogens in two national parks of Madagascar (Kirindy Mitea National Park and Ankarafantsika National Park) and their neighboring villages. We also identified variables associated with the presence of antibodies to these pathogens in fosa ( Cryptoprocta ferox ). Introduced and endemic species were exposed to canine parvovirus, canine herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and Toxoplasma gondii . Domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ) and cats ( Felis catus ) may be sources of infection for these pathogens. Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma in captured fosa was >93%, and adults were more likely to be exposed than immature individuals. Our data provide a basis upon which to evaluate and manage risks of pathogen transmission between species.

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Encephalomyelitis by Toxoplasma gondii in a captive fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)

Cited by 10 publications

References 6 publications

Toxoplasmosis in Zoo Animals: A Retrospective Pathology Review of 126 Cases

Toxoplasmosis in Zoo Animals: A Retrospective Pathology Review of 126 Cases

Effects of habitat alteration and disturbance by humans and exotic species on fosaCryptoprocta feroxoccupancy in Madagascar's deciduous forests

Prevalence of Antibodies to Selected Viruses and Parasites in Introduced and Endemic Carnivores in Western Madagascar

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