Dermatophilus congolensis infections in wildlife in New York State

Abstract

Dermatophilus congolensis infection is described for the first time in a woodchuck (Marmota monax) and a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). This actinomycete was also recovered from a raccoon (Procyon lotor) carcass which had been frozen for a year. Encrusted lesions or denuded patches or both were seen during necropsy on the head, thorax, abdomen, and legs of each carcass. D. congolensis was demonstrated in strained smears or paraffin sections or both from the three animals and was recovered from lesions induced in a rabbit's ear by inoculation with infected raccoon tissue. This expands to 59 the number of cases of dermatophilosis found in wildlife and domestic animals in New York State and vicinity.