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Sarcocystis spp. Infection in two Red Panda Cubs (Ailurus fulgens)
W M Zoll1, D B Needle2, S J French3
1Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Fatal sarcocystosis, a protozoal infection, was diagnosed in two red panda (Ailurus fulgens) neonates. Findings suggest vertical transmission caused disseminated disease in these pandas.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Wildlife Disease
Background:
- Neonatal mortality in red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) can stem from various causes.
- Protozoal infections are significant pathogens in wildlife populations.
Observation:
- Two neonatal male red pandas presented with sudden death or labored breathing.
- Necropsy revealed disseminated protozoal infections in multiple organs.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, PCR, and sequencing identified Sarcocystis spp.
- Molecular analysis showed 99% homology to Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis dasypi.
- This is the first documented case of sarcocystosis in red pandas.
Implications:
- The findings suggest vertical transmission as a likely route for this fatal disseminated disease.
- This study highlights the importance of considering Sarcocystis in red panda mortality.
- Further research is needed to understand the Sarcocystis life cycle and transmission in this species.
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