In the past colonies have suffered from two main disease problems - the first, lumpy jaw, has been a common problem in many zoos (Wallach 1971, Barker, Calaby and Sharman 1963) and is now known to be caused by Fusiformis page 152 necrophorus with secondary infection by a large range of bacteria. While the disease appears refractory to most forms of treatment, Vibramycin has been effective in at least one case at the Auckland Zoo (Smith, pers. comm.). The second, pneumonia, has been a salient post-mortem finding in many instances, and is thought to have been induced by lowered bodily resistance resulting from stress or sub-clinical infections. Many cases occurred shortly after translocation, but no common organism was isolated.

Preventative Medicine

The current disease prevention programme is based on accurate observation and recording by well trained staff, and has virtually eliminated disease problems during the last two years. Every animal is closely inspected each day, as routine, and any change in behaviour or illness is reported immediately. Keepers' observations are recorded in a daily diary kept at the feed shed, and include group behaviour as well as individual. Each animal has its own record card, on to which are transposed all relevant observations, including matings, changes in habit, sighting of pouch-young, dietary changes or illness, treatment, and transfers. Regular collection of faecal samples for examination for oocysts and for worm egg counts, plus routine treatment with anthelmintics at three-monthly intervals has completely eliminated intestinal parasitism. Coccidiosis has never been diagnosed, and no coccidiostat is added to the food. No other vaccinations or procedures are carried out, except that whenever practical animals are weighed.

Treatment

Any animal appearing sick, or showing loss of weight, is transferred to an isolation pen where regular attention can be given without stress, either to the individual animal or to the composite group.