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Abstract:

A 2 day workshop reviewing diseases of wildlife, disease recognition, techniques for collection and preservation of samples for diagnostic purposes, and human health considerations was conducted for Rangers, Resource Managers, and Scientists in Yellowstone National Park. Subsequent to the workshop, 95 samples or animals, representing 14 species, from the Park were submitted to the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie for diagnostic evaluation. A variety of tests were conducted as appropriate including gross necropsy, histopathology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, electron microscopy, acetylcholinesterase activity, trace mineral analysis, serology, serum chemistry, hematology, and entomology. These analyses indicated a variety of pathogens or potential pathogens and naturally occurring organisms were present in clinically ill as well as healthy animals. The most significant diseases identified during the study period were canine parvoviral enteritis in coyotes (Canis latrans) and canine distemper in pine marten (Martes americana). Both are highly contagious viral diseases that may affect populations of susceptible carnivores, and are of particular concern for threatened and endangered species. Both should be considered in the wolf recovery program. This report may represent the first laboratory documentation of mortality due to this disease in the Park, the first report of clinical parvoviral induced disease in free-ranging coyotes, and the first report of canine distemper in pine marten. The first year of wildlife disease surveillance in the Park was successful, yielded important information, and should continue. Similar programs also could be instituted in other Parks to provide data on presence of wildlife diseases, to monitor their occurrence, and to respond to disease outbreaks if appropriate.

Notes:

Found at Yellowstone Research LibraryNatureBib ID: 32190

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