An outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in Alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) in Simmental-Gruyeres, Switzerland

An outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) which occurred in the Simmental-Gruyeres region (Switzerland) from August 1997 to February 1999 is described. The spatio-temporal progre ssion of the outbreak was analysed, the characterised in the group of anima ls found which died of the consequences of the disease assessed, and the mo rtality estimated. The infection spread along the Kaiseregg mountain chain south-westwards and north-eastwards and progressed at an average speed of 1 5 km/year. Concerning the mortality, the IKC outbreak was characterised by a 3-peaked epidemic curve, but the occurrence could not be associated with a particular season. The game-keepers found 420 animals which had died of t he consequences of IKC. Most of recorded chamois (76%) had perished, 21.4% were killed by state game-keepers because of irreversible blindness, injuri es or emaciation, and 11 (2.6%) blind animals were predated by lynx (Lynx l ynx). Young animals (especially kids) and adult females were particularly a ffected and the estimated cumulative mortality was 27%. The positive result s of PCR analysis in 12 out of 15 animals sampled (80%) and the presence of specific antibodies in three chamois investigated showed that Mycoplasma c onjunctivae was involved in the etiology of the disease. We suggest further epidemiological and immunological studies be carried out in order to devel op tools that could lead to the control of M. conjunctivae infections in do mestic sheep and wild Caprinae.