Fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in a zoological collection of meerkats (Suricata suricatta)

J S Afr Vet Assoc. 2017 Mar 31;88(0):e1-e5. doi: 10.4102/jsava.v88i0.1428.

Abstract

Two confirmed cases of fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis occurred in an urban zoological collection of meerkats (Suricata suricatta). Both cases are suspected to be the result of feral cats gaining access to the enclosure. Toxoplasmosis has rarely been documented in meerkats. Subsequent to prophylactic treatment of all the animals and structural changes being implemented within the enclosure, no new cases have been recorded to date. Very little information is available on the disease in viverrids.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / parasitology
  • Animals, Zoo / parasitology
  • Autopsy / veterinary
  • Cat Diseases / parasitology*
  • Cat Diseases / transmission*
  • Cats
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Herpestidae / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Toxoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / pathology
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / transmission*