SEVERE BACTERIAL BRONCHOPNEUMONIA IN A GROUP OF ORPHANED AMERICAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS) IN EASTERN TENNESSEE, USA

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 2026

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Authors: Liandrie Swanepoel, Jeremy M. McKeever, Monica Lee, Jonathan Abbott, Julie Sheldon, Andrew G. Cushing, Wesley C. Sheley, S. Emmanuelle Knafo
DOI: 10.1638/2024-0120
Cited by: 1
References: 21

Abstract

has been implicated as a cause of septicemia in chickens, and as a zoonotic agent causing septicemia and endocarditis in immunosuppressed humans. The relevance of this suspected etiologic agent in wildlife is currently unknown, with sparse literature on the normal flora of American black bears or other North American carnivores. This case series is the first report of an outbreak of bacterial bronchopneumonia in the American black bear and the first reported death from a contagious disease at this rehabilitation facility since its inception 28 yr ago.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Salmonella and Campylobacter epidemiology Aquaculture disease management and microbiota Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Publisher
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Volume
57
Issue
1
Pages
47–55
Publication date
4 January 2026
Language
EN