Yersiniosis in a breeding unit of Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus monkeys)

Abstract

2 outbreaks of acute fatal enteric disease involving 20 animals in a breeding unit of approximately 200 cynomolgus monkeys were diagnosed as yersiniosis; Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated from 50% of the clinically affected animals. Post-mortem findings included enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes with some enterocolitis and necrotic foci in liver and spleen. Approximately 7% of clinically healthy monkeys were found to be excreting Y. pseudotuberculosis and a further 5% Y. enterocolitica. Rectal swabs, though less convenient, were better than faecal samples for the detection of Yersinia spp. in 'healthy' monkeys. Efficiency of the cold saline technique and direct plating for isolating Yersinia spp. were compared. It is thought likely that the infection was introduced into the unit by asymptomatic infected monkeys.