Pathology and causes of death in captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are endemic carnivores of southern Africa and, although currently listed as 'least concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, there is evidence of a significant decrease in wild populations mainly attributed to effects of climate change. Little is known about diseases associated with mortality in captive meerkats.

Aim

To characterise macroscopic and microscopic lesions that accounted for the death or euthanasia in a series of captive meerkats.

Material and methods

Eight captive meerkats submitted for post-mortem examination between 2018 and 2022.

Results

Three animals died unexpectedly without clinical signs, 2 exhibited neurological signs, 2 collapsed after con-specific fighti

SUBMITTER: Marti-Garcia B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10190186 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature