INFECTIOUS CATARRH OF MICE : I. A NATURAL OUTBREAK OF THE DISEASE
1Department of Animal and Plant Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, N.J.
Abstract:
A natural outbreak of an infectious catarrh in a colony of Swiss mice is reported. The disease was generally characterized by a peculiar chattering sound during life and by a rhinitis, an otitis media, and a pneumonia at autopsy. The pneumonia was slowly progressive and terminated fatally in a high percentage of cases. The mortality in a group of 75 naturally infected mice was 95 per cent over a period of 11 months. The disease was readily reproducible in susceptible mice by the nasal instillation of exudate from any locus of infection. It was also transmissible by direct contact. In both naturally and experimentally infected animals there was an incubation period of 10 days or more before symptoms were apparent. Recovery from the disease was not observed.
Insights
A natural outbreak of infectious catarrh in Swiss mice caused severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia, with a 95% mortality rate. This highly contagious disease was reproducible and untreatable in the studied mouse colony.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Murine Models
Background:
- Natural outbreaks of infectious diseases in laboratory animal colonies can significantly impact research.
- Understanding the characteristics of such outbreaks is crucial for disease control and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and characterize a natural outbreak of infectious catarrh in a Swiss mouse colony.
- To investigate the clinical signs, pathological findings, and transmission dynamics of the disease.
Main Methods:
- Observation of a natural disease outbreak in a Swiss mouse colony.
- Clinical examination and post-mortem analysis of affected mice.
- Experimental reproduction of the disease via nasal instillation and assessment of transmissibility through direct contact.
Main Results:
- The disease presented with chattering, rhinitis, otitis media, and progressive pneumonia.
- A 95% mortality rate was observed in 75 naturally infected mice over 11 months.
- The disease was reproducible and transmissible, with an incubation period of 10 days or more, and no recovery was observed.
Conclusions:
- Infectious catarrh caused high mortality in this Swiss mouse colony.
- The disease is readily transmissible and reproducible, posing a significant threat to colony health.
- Effective control measures are essential to prevent widespread dissemination in research settings.
