Disseminated staphylococcal infection in a colony of captive ground squirrels (Citellus lateralis)

Purulent cutaneous and visceral lesions were observed in a colony of 68 golden-mantled ground squirrels, Citellus (Spermophilus) lateralis, used in a hibernation study. The squirrels had been purchased from a commercial supplier. Beginning approximately three weeks after their purchase and during the following five weeks, 21 squirrels died. The predominate gross and histologic findings consisted of multifocal suppurative lesions involving the skin, brain and numerous visceral organs. Staphylococcus aureus was consistently found to be associated with the disease.