Infectious and parasitic diseases and contaminant-related problems of North American river otters (Lontra canadensis): A review

The aquatic North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), a charismatic n onendangered mustelid, presently occupies a greatly reduced range. The spec ies is common in toes and has economic value as a furbearer. At least 17 st ates and one Canadian province have undertaken recent reintroduction progra ms. Nevertheless, little has been published on nonparasitic diseases of riv er otters, and little is known of the clinical significance of most of thei r parasitic infections. Records of environmental contaminant-related diseas es and traumatic injuries in free-ranging North American river otters are a lso rare. This paper reviews present knowledge of North American river otte r diseases, especially those with the greatest potential for impacting rein troduction programs.