Tuberculosis in a New Zealand (Hooker's) sea lion (abstract)

Authors: Duignan PJ, Cousins DV, de Lisle GW, Meynier L, Roe WD
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 54, Issue 1, pp 51, Feb 2006
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Aquatic animal, Sea mammal, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Diagnostic procedures, Mycobacterial, Disease/defect, Pathology, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Public health
Article class: Abstract

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Abstract: Tuberculosis has been described in seven species of pinnipeds. Based on host preference, phenotype and genetic and antigenic testing, the causal bacterium has been classified as a distinct species, Mycobacterium pinnipedii, within the M. tuberculosis complex. An adult male New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) was found dead on the Otago coastline in mid 2005. Gross necropsy revealed multiple caseous foci throughout the lungs, subcutaneous and thoracic lymph nodes, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Histopathological examination showed granulomatous lesions containing numerous intra-lesional acid fast organisms. The organism was confirmed as being a member of the M. tuberculosis complex, based on restriction enzyme analysis. Spoligotyping is pending. This is the first confirmed case of mycobacterial disease in a New Zealand sea lion.

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