Title
Retrospective Analysis of Morbidity and Mortality in Babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis) in zoological institutions from 1995 to 2020
Author(s)
Krishnan, Sneha; McAloose, Denise; Bartlett, Susan L.
Published
2021
Publisher
null
Abstract
A retrospective study of the causes of morbidity and mortality in babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis) managed by Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institutions from 1995-2020 was performed. Trends associated with age, sex, cause of death, disease process, and organ system were examined. Of the 110 medical records reviewed, the most common ante-mortem clinical problems were lameness (65 individuals), traumatic tusk fractures (36 individuals) and dermatitis (24 individuals). Males were 41 times more likely than females to experience dental trauma due to the presence of large maxillary canine tusks. Of the 40 necropsy reports reviewed, death was more common in geriatric individuals than in other age groups (45%). The most common cause of death or euthanasia in adults was muscoloskeletal disease (52.9%). Male babirusa were 10 times more likely than females to die or be euthanized due to musculoskeletal disease. The most common cause of death in geriatric animals was neoplasia, with seven different neoplastic processes identified across the 10 individuals. The most common organs affected by neoplasia were the adrenal and thyroid glands. Considering the high prevalence of degenerative joint disease, captive management of babirusa should focus on developing strategies for early diagnosis, management, and potential prevention of joint disease. Consideration should also be given to the high incidence of tusk trauma, which may be prevented by modifications in exhibit design and group organization based on age and sex. This is the first comprehensive study of the causes of morbidity and mortality in the babirusa zoo population in North America.
Keywords
babirusa; Babyrousa celebensis; digenerative joint disease; spondylosis; Suidae
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PUB27259