Chimpanzees habituated for Research at the Tai National Park, Côte d'Ivoire (C. Boesch, http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/files/chimps.htm)

After several individuals died between 2001-2002 (one single case plus two with several fatalities – all were sudden deaths with unclear symptoms), necropsies were performed on 6 chimpanzees. Tissue was stored and a histological analysis was performed at the German Primate Centre (Göttingen) and molecular analyses at the Robert Koch Institute (Berlin) and at the Bernhard Nocht Institute (Hamburg).

Histological findings revealed rod shaped bacteria in all organs and small hemorrhages.
Molecular analyses tested for a variety of pathogens, where the tests (using PCR) were negative for: Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, Morbilliviruses, Enetreoviruses, Adenoviruses, Influenza, Parainfluenza, Cytomegalovirus, Flaviviruses and SIV; while tests (using PCR) were positive for: B. anthracis (anthrax), STLV-1 and chimpanzee Lymphocryptovirus.

An acute B. anthracis infection was therefore determined as cause of death.

See reference list for more detailed information.

Case 2

Hippopotamus in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda (UWA, GTZ)

More than 200 Hippos died of acute infection in 2004, and due to our experience with B. anthracis the authorities asked for help.

First samples where sent to the Robert Koch Institute (Berlin) for confirmation of suspicion of B. anthracis infection. The analyses were performed directly after the arrival of the samples in Germany and confirmed B. anthracis. Later F. Leendertz traveled as a consultant for the PACE/GTZ to Uganda to investigate the outbreak, take environmental samples and perform further analyses.

A detailed report will be posted soon.

Chimpanzees habituated for Research at the Tai National Park, Côte d'Ivoire (C. Boesch, http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/files/chimps.htm)

All chimpanzees of one of the groups were seen coughing in 2004, and some mortalities among younger chimpanzees occurred. Necropsies were performed on 3 of these. Analyses of histology performed at the German Primate Centre (Göttingen) revealed a purulent, acute bronchitis. Molecular analyses are still being performed at the Robert Koch Institute (Berlin) and various bacteria were isolated, the investigation is still ongoing.

Chimpanzees and Gorillas at the Dja Reserve, Cameroon (Projet Grands Singes - Integrated Conservation and Development Project - Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp)

Time: 2004/2005
Description: Research project on wild chimpanzees and gorillas
An outbreak occurred in 2004/05 with chimpanzees and gorillas found dead.
Muscle tissue was collected from one chimpanzee, in addition bones from gorilla and chimps were collected.

Tests for Ebola, performed at CIRMF (Gabon) were negative, further investigations at the Robert Koch Institute (Berlin) are ongoing.

Unexplained cases of death in two sanctuaries (PASA).

Details will follow.