Abstract

Pinnipeds under human care display a high lifetime prevalence of ocular disorders.^1-4 Husbandry as a contributing factor is discussed, mainly with regards to U.S.-American facilities.^5,6 The aim of this study was to assess period prevalence (over a time span of 2 years) of ocular disorders in pinnipeds, and to collect husbandry data from central European facilities. An epidemiological survey was statistically analyzed for interdependencies between ocular disorders and husbandry parameters (group composition, health monitoring, pool cleaning/filtration, water type, disinfection method). There were 25 participating facilities from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with 35 pinniped groups consisting of 209 animals. Overall, results showed a period prevalence (pp) of 32%. Phocids displayed disorders more often than otariids (pp: 44 vs. 25%) and male pinnipeds more often than females (esp. amongst large groups) (pp: 38 vs. 29%). Furthermore, disorders appeared significantly more often among pinnipeds that lived exclusively in freshwater compared to pinnipeds that were offered saltwater pools (pp: 43 vs. 21%), although there was no significant difference due to salt concentration. Disorders appeared significantly more often when entire water replacements were made (47 vs. 21%), which were done primarily by facilities without a filtration system. In conclusion, otariids may be better cared for than phocids and, therefore, might develop less severe ocular diseases. Male pinnipeds appear to engage in more intraspecific interactions than females and, therefore, might suffer more ocular traumas. Saltwater and water filtration appears to be beneficial for ocular health.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank the Cusanuswerk for its financial support and the participating facilities for completing the questionnaire.

*Presenting author
⁺Student presenter

Literature Cited

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