Greth A., Calvez D., Vassart M., & Lefèvre P.C. 1991. Serological survey for bovine bacterial and viral pathogens in captive Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx). In: Health and Management of Free-ranging Mammals Symposium, Nancy, France. Unpaged.

Summary: The Arabian oryx, which became extinct in the wild in the seventies, is now the subject of several captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. Translocations of oryx increase the risks of disease transmission among oryx groups, and between oryx and the native wildlife, and the resident domestic species. Investigations of the serological status of the animals, and data about the species susceptibility to diseases are thus important tools for the health management of oryx conservation programmes. A total of 239 sera from 128 Arabian oryx from 7 locations were examined for 14 bovine bacterial and viral pathogens. No antibodies to Pasteurella multocida type E or epizootic haemorraghic disease 1 virus were found. Antibodies to Brucella abortus, Pasteurella multocida type B and D, lumpy skin disease virus, were found with low but significant prevalence. Evidence of Pasteurella multocida type A, Coxiella burnetti, Chlamydia sp., parainfluenza 3 virus were found in 5 American oryx and 1 oryx from the Taif herd. This is the first report of antibodies against Brucella abortus, Coxiella brunetti, Chlamydia sp., Parainfluenza 3 virus, and Akabane virus in the genus Oryx. Antibody vaccinal titres against rinderpest virus (and peste des petits ruminants virus, due to cross-reactions) were found in almost all the herd due to cross-reactions) were found in almost all the herd due to vaccination. Positive reactions against Pasteurella sp. (A or D). These findings emphasise the importance of an efficient vaccination programme against pasteurellosis. Oryx from the USA, positive for antibodies against bluetongue which is endemic throughout the USA, positive for antibodies against bluetongue which is endemic throughout the USA and the Middle East, were allowed to be imported only after virus isolation tests proved negative. Sanitary and prophylactic measures should be adopted in a way as to maximise the chances of success in the conservation programmes.

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