Health Screening of American Beavers (Castor canadensis) in Utah, USA.

Abstract

American beavers (Castor canadensis), trapped between 2017 and 2020 for the purpose of translocation, underwent hematologic, serologic, and fecal examinations. Eight of 73 beavers were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and 1/49 seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Two of 40 beavers tested positive for Giardia spp., and 22/44 beavers had strongyle-type ova in the feces; one was positive for coccidia. Hematologic variables were largely within published reference ranges for captive beavers. Within the specific ecosystems sampled, the disease prevalence in beavers appeared low; however, prophylactic deworming is recommended prior to translocation. Further, appropriate personal protective equipment should be used when handling beavers, to prevent zoonotic infection with Giardia spp.

• Authors: Annette Roug, Emma Doden, Teresa Griffin, Julie Young, Xaela Walden, Nate Norman, Phaedra Budy, Arnaud J Van Wettere
• Journal: Journal of wildlife diseases (J Wildl Dis) Vol. 58 Issue 4 Pg. 902-908 (10 01 2022) ISSN: 1943-3700 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 35917403 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © Wildlife Disease Association 2022.

Topics

• Animals
• Ecosystem
• Utah