Ringtail in the pouched mouse (Saccostomus campestris)

Laboratory colonies of the pouched mouse (Saccostomus campestris) were housed in solid bottom cages and fed a varied diet containing excess fatty acids. Ringtail was only initiated in animals of all ages, from populations originating from different areas of South Africa, when the relative humidity fell below 30%. The incidence of ringtail was curtailed by maintaining relative humidity above 45% in animal houses.