Pneumonia in the Plains Pocket Gopher, Geomys bursarius

Abstract

On 4 April 1981, five Geomys bursarius were livetrapped in Ellis County, Kansas (1? mi E Ellis, T.13S, R.20W, NE?4 Sec. 10), for use in breeding experiments under laboratory conditions. Three of these pocket gophers became debilitated and died after being kept in the laboratory for periods ranging from two to five days. Symptoms included restricted movement, loss of coordination, gasping for breath, and closed eyes. One gopher that was near death was sacrificed and autopsied aseptically. Heart, lung, liver, and intestinal tissues were placed in sterile petri dishes and sampled with Culturettes (Marion Scientific Collection System). Selective and differential media were inoculated and incubated at 35?C for approximately 24 hours. Klebsiella pneumoniae was recovered in all samples, indicating a bacteremia, and cause of death was attributed to pneumonia. Klebsiella pneumoniae can be a normal constituent of the flora of the respiratory system and intestinal tract and can become pathogenic after stress. Gophers collected subsequent to the diagnosis were orally administered 1cc sodium sulfathiazol (Isolite) in a solution of 0.26 gram per ounce of water. All cages were cleaned thoroughly and soil that was placed into the cages was baked for 2 hours at 176'C. No further losses of animals occurred as a result of pneumonia. We know of no published statements regarding the occurrence of pneumonia in fossorial mammals in general or in pocket gophers in particular. The plains pocket gopher appears to be extremely susceptible to pneumonia. Accordingly, pocket gophers no longer needed in captivity and having symptoms similar to ones previously mentioned probably should not be released into natural populations.