Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Murine Model of Advanced Periodontitis Induced by Nylon Ligature in the Second Upper Molar
Published on: May 30, 2025
A Retrospective Study of Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease ("Lumpy Jaw") in Captive Macropods Across Australia
Jessica Rendle1,2,3, Bethany Jackson1, Stephen Vander Hoorn4
1Conservation Medicine, College of Science Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia.
Abstract:
Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease (MPPD) is a well-recognised disease that causes high morbidity and mortality in captive macropods worldwide. Epidemiological data on MMPD are limited, although multiple risk factors associated with a captive environment appear to contribute to the development of clinical disease. The identification of risk factors associated with MPPD would assist with the development of preventive management strategies, potentially reducing mortality. Veterinary and husbandry records from eight institutions across Australia and Europe were analysed in a retrospective cohort study (1995 to 2016), examining risk factors for the development of MPPD. A review of records for 2759 macropods found incidence rates (IR) and risk of infection differed between geographic regions and individual institutions. The risk of developing MPPD increased with age, particularly for macropods >10 years (Australia Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 7.63, p < 0.001; Europe IRR 7.38, p < 0.001). Prognosis was typically poor, with 62.5% mortality reported for Australian and European regions combined. Practical recommendations to reduce disease risk have been developed, which will assist zoos in providing optimal long-term health management for captive macropods and, subsequently, have a positive impact on both the welfare and conservation of macropods housed in zoos globally.
Insights
Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease (MPPD) significantly impacts captive macropods, with older animals facing higher risks. Identifying risk factors is crucial for developing preventive strategies to improve macropod health and reduce mortality.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoological Medicine
- Animal Health
Background:
- Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease (MPPD) is a significant cause of illness and death in captive macropods globally.
- Limited epidemiological data exists for MPPD, hindering the development of effective management strategies.
- Captive environments are suspected to harbor multiple risk factors contributing to MPPD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease (MPPD) in captive populations.
- To inform the development of preventive management strategies to reduce MPPD morbidity and mortality.
- To provide data that can improve the welfare and conservation of captive macropods.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed veterinary and husbandry records from 1995 to 2016.
- Data was collected from eight institutions across Australia and Europe.
- Records for 2759 macropods were reviewed to determine MPPD incidence and risk factors.
Main Results:
- Incidence rates and infection risks varied between geographic regions and institutions.
- The risk of developing MPPD significantly increased with age, especially in macropods over 10 years old (Australia IRR 7.63; Europe IRR 7.38).
- Overall mortality for MPPD was high, reported at 62.5% across both regions.
Conclusions:
- Age is a significant risk factor for Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease (MPPD) in captive settings.
- The study provides practical recommendations for zoos to mitigate MPPD risk.
- Implementing these strategies can enhance long-term health management, welfare, and conservation of captive macropods.
