Causes of mortality in captive Attwater's prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) at the San Antonio Zoo, 1997-2000.
Necropsy records for 102 Attwater's prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) that had been captive-reared and had died at the San Antonio Zoo over a 4-yr period were evaluated to determine the causes of mortality. Gross necropsy, histopathology, and bacterial culture findings are summarized. Mortality was highest in young birds (<6 mo) and embryos. Husbandry- and gastrointestinal-related diseases were the most common causes of mortality.
West
Gary D
GD
San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, Texas 78212, USA.
Garner
Michael M
MM
Raymond
James T
JT
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000401:mortality*; D001717:Birds / Q000196:embryology / Q000293:injuries; D002423:Cause of Death; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary