title: Gangrenous dermatitis caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans in Richardson ground squirrels.
abstract: Gangrenous dermatitis caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans developed in 63 of 350 wild Richardson ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii). Six squirrels died of toxemia and/or septicemia, but 57 responded to topical and parenteral administration of antibiotics. The epizo-otic was believed to be associated with fighting; infected and carrier ground squirrels most likely transmitted the C ulcerans through bite wounds. Individuals handling ground squirrels should be cautioned that C ulcerans may produce a diphtheria-like disease in human beings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Care Services, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Goemans
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bolingbroke
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lundberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003354:Corynebacterium Infections / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D012589:Sciuridae