Related Experiment Videos
Bacillary hemoglobinuria in a free-ranging elk calf
L C Bender1, P B Hall, M M Garner
1Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Vancouver 98661, USA.
Summary
A dead elk calf in Washington was diagnosed with bacillary hemoglobinuria, a disease caused by Clostridium haemolyticum. This marks the first reported death from this specific bacterial toxemia in wild elk, suggesting it may be a local issue.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Bacillary hemoglobinuria is a toxemia caused by Clostridium haemolyticum.
- Previous unexplained mortalities in elk in the region were suspected to be enterotoxemia, leptospirosis, or bacillary hemoglobinuria.
Observation:
- A dead elk calf (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) was identified in southwest Washington, USA.
- The calf was diagnosed with bacillary hemoglobinuria.
Findings:
- This is the first confirmed case of mortality due to bacillary hemoglobinuria in free-ranging elk.
- Clostridium haemolyticum was identified as the causative agent.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that bacillary hemoglobinuria may be a significant and potentially common cause of mortality in local elk populations.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the epidemiology and prevalence of Clostridium haemolyticum in this elk herd.