Infectious Diseases Control for Captive Animals in Zoos and Aquariums

Abstract

Zoos and aquariums are keeping various species in a variety of ways and facilities for ex-situ conservation, education, research and other purposes. Since a wide range of species are kept, there is the possibility for outbreaks of a number of different infectious diseases. In addition, these institutions are open to the general public, and a huge number of people are visiting there every year. Therefore it is not easy to protect the captive animals from every infectious disease. In recent years severe infectious diseases occur frequently, control of infectious diseases is becoming more important in zoos and aquariums. To control infectious diseases, it is necessary to take preventive measures against the occurrence and spread of diseases in systematic and well-planned ways. To prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases, improvement of immunity through daily health maintenance and vaccination, and break of infection routes through cleansing of captive environment and setting up the physical barriers against pathogens are effective. To prevent the spread of diseases, early detection through quarantine, regular physical examination and necropsy, and containment of pathogens through movement restrictions, isolation, treatment and culling of captive animals can be appropriate measures. In order to increase the effectiveness of these measures, providing the systematic responses such as preparing the manuals and stockpiling of necessary supplies are required. As long as animals are kept for purpose of ex-situ conservation or education, it is impossible for the captive animals to completely cut off all the contacts with the pathogens, so that it is difficult to eliminate the infections. Therefore it would be important to consider how to reduce the risks on the basis that infectious diseases can be occurred.