Chronic cryptosporidiosis in Australian elapid snakes: control of an outbreak in a captive colony |
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Authors: | BP CARMEL V GROVES† |
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Institution: | *Healesville Sanctuary, PO Box 248, Healesville, Victoria 3777;?University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Banksia Street, Heidelberg West, Victoria 3081 |
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Abstract: | An outbreak of chronic cryptosporidiosis resulting in hypertrophic gastritis occurred in a captive colony of Australian elapid snakes. Two species of the genus Notechiswere involved: Notechis ***ater(Black Tiger Snake) and Notechis scutatus (Eastern or Mainland Tiger Snake). The infection was eventually fatal in all 9 affected snakes. Typical histopathological findings of the stomach included mucosal thickening with cystic dilatation of gastric glands, moderate oedema and fibrosis of the lamina propria, and a mild to moderate patchy infiltration of inflammatory cells. Procedures implemented to contain the outbreak included the use of a formaldehyde-based disinfectant, prompt removal of faecal matter, uneaten and regurgitated food from enclosures, and examination of faecal specimens for Cryptosporidium oocysts and other pathogens. |
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