Toxoplasmosis in Captive Saiga Antelope

W.S. Bulmer
Toxoplasmosis in Captive Saiga Antelope

Disseminated toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) from a Canadian zoo. Multiple foci of necrosis were found in most tissues of the animals. Toxoplasma cysts were found in association with these lesions. Toxoplasma trophozoites were recovered from mice injected with infected tissues. Subsequent to his examination of the infected saigas, enlarged lymph nodes in the author were diagnosed as toxoplasmic lymphadenitis.

Saiga tatarica is a member of the family Bovidae, and is native to Eurasia. It roams in herds from the lower reaches of the Volga River in Kazakhstan and Zungaria; and some are present in Mongolia. Because of near extinction due to hunting, the animal has been protected since 1920.