EFFECTS OF ANTHRAX ON ENDANGERED AFRICAN WILD DOGS (LYCAON-PICTUS)

African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are large, social canids formerly fo und throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Wild dogs are now endangered; only six nations hold populations larger than 100 individuals. Considerable evidence suggests that disease plays a central role in the regulation of some wild dog populations. In particular, it has been suggested th at epizootics of rabies, canine distemper and anthrax can have strong local effects on wild dog numbers. Resolution of the regulatory import ance of these diseases has been hampered by lack of data from wild pop ulations. Here we report on an outbreak of anthrax among wild dogs in the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania, describing clinical sign s and diagnosis, measuring mortality, and testing for effects on hunti ng success and movements. Only one of five packs under study was affec ted. Immediate mortality was mild, with none of 18 adults (0%) and fou r of 24 pups (17%) dying. Mortality was significantly higher among pup pies (<1 year old) than among adults. Mortality of individuals that sh owed signs of disease but did not die immediately was not significantl y elevated over the following six months. The hunting success and move ment patterns of the pack were not affected by the outbreak. Collectiv ely, these data suggest that African wild dogs possess a degree of res istance to anthrax.