Ehrlichiosis in wolves, dogs, and wolf-dog crosses

Canine ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in wolves, dogs, and wolf-dog crosses at a small zoo in northcentral Florida. Five of 9 adult canids and all 8 pups confined to a common kennel died as a result of the infection. The epizootic was associated with a massive Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestation. Hematologic and pathologic findings in an adult wolf-dog cross that died were characteristic of canine ehrlichiosis. That animal and four other canids were seropositive for Ehrlichia canis. No deaths occurred following the oral treatment of remaining canids with tetracycline hydrochloride and the treatment of canids and premises with acaricides.