Oral necrobacillosis ('lumpy jaw') in a free-ranging population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in Victoria

Abstract

A high prevalence (54%) of oral necrobacillosis, commonly referred to as ‘lumpy jaw’ based primarily on the presence of cranial osteological lesions, is reported from a free-living population of Macropus giganteus in Victoria. Lesions were found primarily in the maxillary bone and the mandible, in association with the rostral region of the dental arcade. Autopsy data provided additional evidence that the osteological lesions observed were due to oral necrobacillosis. Lesions were more common in older kangaroos. The study was carried out during a drought with limited pasture availability and heavy faecal contamination of pasture, conditions that may have contributed to the high prevalence of the disease.