Sanctuary Animals Fall Victim to Mysterious Illnesses

Recent reports of unexplained deaths among sanctuary animals have raised concerns in the animal welfare community. Two separate incidents, one involving chimpanzees in Sierra Leone and another affecting dogs in Georgia, USA, highlight the challenges sanctuaries face in protecting their residents from unknown health threats.

Chimpanzee Mystery in Sierra Leone

At the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a perplexing illness dubbed epizootic neurologic and gastroenteric syndrome (ENGS) has claimed the lives of 56 chimpanzees since 2005.  The disease manifests with neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, including weakness, seizures, vomiting, and abdominal distension1. Despite aggressive treatment efforts, the fatality rate for affected chimps has been 100%. After years of investigation, researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an international team have linked ENGS to a newly discovered bacterial species within the genus Sarcina. The bacterium, named Sarcina troglodytae, was found in the gut of sick chimpanzees and, in some cases, in their livers, spleens, and brains. The discovery has provided valuable guidance for treating sick chimpanzees at Tacugama. Veterinarians now administer probiotics and antibiotics alongside supportive care to counter the infection4. While the exact source of the bacterium remains unknown, researchers are seeking funding to investigate further1.

Canine Crisis in Georgia

In a separate incident, the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter in Georgia, USA, recently experienced an outbreak of a mysterious illness that claimed the lives of three dogs. The sudden and unexplained nature of the deaths prompted the shelter to halt adoptions and new intakes while investigating the cause. Initially described as a "mystery illness," officials later identified the culprit as Streptococcus zooepidemicus, commonly known as Strep Zoo. This bacterial infection can cause severe respiratory symptoms and rapid deterioration in affected animals. As a precautionary measure, the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center, where the outbreak occurred, will remain closed until December 17 to prevent further spread of the disease. Staff members have been instructed to take additional precautions, including thorough disinfection procedures.

Challenges Facing Animal Sanctuaries

These incidents underscore the unique challenges animal sanctuaries face in maintaining the health and well-being of their residents. Sanctuaries often care for animals with complex medical histories or those rescued from abusive situations, making them potentially more vulnerable to health issues. Regular health checks are crucial for early detection and prevention of diseases in sanctuary animals. Experts recommend scheduled health examinations every 6-8 weeks for most species, and monthly for some, like chickens. These checks help caregivers identify subtle signs of illness and provide proactive care before minor health issues become serious. However, sanctuaries must also contend with the emotional toll on their staff. Compassion fatigue, a form of burnout resulting from witnessing daily trauma, is a growing concern in the animal care community. The stress of dealing with mysterious illnesses and unexpected deaths can exacerbate this issue, potentially impacting the quality of care provided to animals. As sanctuaries continue to play a vital role in animal welfare, addressing these challenges through improved health monitoring, research into emerging diseases, and support for caregivers will be essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for sanctuary residents