AN OUTBREAK OF STREPTOCOCCUS-EQUI SSP. ZOOEPIDEMICUS INFECTION OF PROBABLE HUMAN-ORIGIN IN WANDEROOS (MACACA-SILENUS) - CASE-REPORT

Three out of ten young to adult wanderoos (M. silenus) of a breeding c olony at the Rheine Zoo died within two days from a peracute illness, characterized by salivation, vomiting, apathy and minor CNS symptoms. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus was isolated in purr: cultures f rom all organs of two animals investigated bacteriologically. The stra ins were penicillin-susceptible, and penicillin treatment of all remai ning animals cured two already sick animals and prevented further case s. A volunteer worker with upper respiratory disease was suspected as source of infection; contact with equine materials and rodents could b e excluded.