Abstract

The etiology of pulmonary disease in aquatic and zoo animals may result from multiple factors including exposure to biotic sources such as the classic bacterial, viral, or fungal agents and abiotic sources which include natural suspended particles of environmental origin, anthropogenic particulates and contaminants, and noxious gases.^1-5 These agents and sources may result in a wide range of symptoms and severity. The incidence of pulmonary disease may increase in species based on anatomic differences and placement of these species into environments where exposure is not considered in facility design, construction, location, and natural exposure such as from windstorms, hurricanes, and sandstorms.^6-8 Human activity around the habitats increases particulate and infectious exposure including cleaning techniques with pressure washers, blow packs, mechanical brooms, irrigation, removal of ground cover, construction, inappropriate road substrate, and air conditioning systems. Shade structures made of shade cloth may serve as an exposure platform for accumulation of biotic and abiotic sources in meeting developing regulations but also increasing environmental exposure to particulates and infectious agents. The onset of disease from initial or chronic exposure to symptoms may result in a mismatch of etiology and disease recognition delaying intervention. Treatment following diagnostic techniques such as endoscopy, radiology, CT, and culture typically follow standard paths, but the chronicity of lesions with recurrent illness requires development of protocols for preventive monitoring of the environment. Education of administrators and staff on natural and anthropogenic sources of pulmonary disease may decrease prevalence in the animals and the caretakers who may be exposed.

Acknowledgments

The authors want to thank the staff at SeaWorld Orlando and Clearwater Marine Aquarium for their assistance in samples over the years to better understand the factors in air quality and its influence on pulmonary health.

*Presenting author

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