Acute fatal toxoplasmosis in squirrels

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are common urban and forest wildlife.
• Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite with a wide host range.
• Neurological diseases in wildlife can pose diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• Two deceased gray squirrels were examined at a wildlife disease research center.
• Histopathological analysis revealed nonsuppurative encephalitis and interstitial pneumonitis.
• Toxoplasma gondii cysts and tachyzoites were identified in multiple tissues.

Findings:

• The gray squirrels exhibited severe nonsuppurative encephalitis and interstitial pneumonitis.
• Presence of Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed via cyst and tachyzoite identification.
• These findings represent a rare reported instance of toxoplasmosis in gray squirrels.

Implications:

• Toxoplasmosis in gray squirrels can present with clinical signs mimicking rabies.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for wildlife health surveillance and management.
• Understanding T. gondii's impact on wildlife populations is important for public health and conservation.