Addressing Management of Captive Cheetahs to Curb Feline Herpesvirus
MAF Successful Outcome: Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a viral infection that is endemic in captive cheetahs and can cause respiratory disease and debilitating skin and eye ulcers. Some cheetahs have such severe symptoms that they must be euthanized. Scientists at the San Diego Zoo studied such factors as demographic characteristics, medical history and FHV exposure to predict the presence and severity of FHV infection. They identified common symptoms and developed management recommendations to reduce the risk of FHV in captive cheetahs. Of the cheetahs studied, 40 percent were considered FHV-positive, with most cases occurring in cubs. The researchers found that hand-rearing reduced the risk of disease among cubs that had an infected dam. However, having an infected dam did not necessarily indicate that the cubs would develop disease, and many cheetahs developed disease even though their dams never showed any clinical sign, which demonstrates the complexity of FHV. Through this study researchers hope to facilitate the responsible movement of cheetahs among institutions for breeding purposes, while reducing the number of severe FHV cases. The study aided collaboration between several institutions and departments; continued studies will be an important step in species conservation. (D07ZO-029)
Posted by MAFon August 6, 2010.
Categories: Animal health, Wildlife health
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