Toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging mink

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoal parasite with a wide host range.
• Clinical toxoplasmosis is well-documented in domestic animals and humans, but less so in wild mustelids.
• Free-ranging wildlife can serve as sentinels for environmental pathogen exposure.

Observation:

• A 3-month-old free-ranging mink (Mustela vison) presented with hind limb lameness, ataxia, head tremors, and bilateral blindness.
• Histopathological examination revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and severe chorioretinitis with protozoal organisms.
• Identification of bradyzoites and tachyzoites confirmed the presence of Toxoplasma gondii.

Findings:

• Histology, immunohistochemistry, and PCR confirmed Toxoplasma gondii as the causative agent.
• The mink exhibited severe clinical signs attributable to central nervous system and ocular toxoplasmosis.
• This case represents the first documented instance of clinical toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging mink.

Implications:

• This finding highlights the susceptibility of wild mink to Toxoplasma gondii infection.
• It underscores the potential for wildlife to act as reservoirs and indicators of parasitic diseases in ecosystems.
• Further surveillance is warranted to understand the prevalence and impact of Toxoplasma gondii in wild mink populations.