Pseudotuberculosis in marmosets, tamarins, and Goeldi's monkeys (Callithrichidae/Callimiconidae) housed at a European Zoo

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is an insidious bacterial infectious agent dist ributed worldwide and endemic to European countries. It has caused several animal deaths and may threaten the effectiveness of breeding projects for e ndangered species. In this retrospective study, we examine the prevalence o f pseudotuberculosis in Jersey Zoo (Channel islands. U.K.) over a period of 16 yr to obtain information that can be applied to prevent the infection. The efforts made to control the disease through vaccination are also explor ed. Our results show that pseudotuberculosis has been endemic to Jersey Zoo since 1979 and is responsible for significant animal loss in the Callithri chidae/Callimiconidae group. Mortality due to Y. pseudotuberculosis was sea sonal; a high percentage of deaths occurred during wet and cold seasons. No significant difference was found in mortality rates of vaccinated versus n onvaccinated animals. Although the efficacy of vaccination has not been con firmed. we believe that an improved vaccination program could be an importa nt tool in controlling outbreaks of infection in marmosets and tamarins.