REVIEW OF MORTALITY OF THE GIANT PANDA (AILUROPODA-MELANOLEUCA)

A retrospective review of 102 mortality reports of giant pandas (Ailur opoda melanoleuca) indicated that the most common organ systems involv ed in fatal disease were: 1) the gastrointestinal system (GIT) (37% of cases); 2) respiratory system (10%); and 3) genitourinary system (8%) . In captive pandas, the most common cause of mortality involving the GIT was intestinal disease (24%). In wild pandas, pancreatic disease ( 14%) was frequent. Common causes of mortality in captive pandas includ ed infectious disease (12%) and neoplasia (8%) while wild pandas succu mbed to trauma (23%) and malnutrition (33%). Seizures of unknown origi n were documented in 18 pandas, 16 captive and 2 wild. Parasitism was reported in 77% of wild pandas and 12% of captive pandas. To optimize success in captive management of pandas, etiologies of intestinal dise ase should be explored. Also, the implications of high parasite loads in wild pandas and their effect on health should be considered prior t o reintroduction of this species.