Pasteurellosis in Dorcas Gazelles
Pasteurellosis is a serious bacterial disease affecting the dorcas gazelle, a slender and swift antelope that lives in the desert and semi-desert regions of North Africa, including Tunisia. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Pasteurella...
What is it?
Pasteurellosis is a serious bacterial disease affecting the dorcas gazelle, a slender and swift antelope that lives in the desert and semi-desert regions of North Africa, including Tunisia.
It is caused by bacteria of the genus Pasteurella or Mannheimia, often naturally present in the airways of many animals without causing disease.
In the dorcas gazelle, a species particularly vulnerable to stress, this disease can progress very rapidly toward a fatal form, especially in captivity or during transport.
Key point
A disease that can cause death within a few hours, particularly feared in conservation programs for this endangered species.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Signs may appear suddenly, sometimes within just a few hours.
Fever, marked lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficult or rapid breathing are observed.
Some animals show cough, nasal discharge, excessive drooling, or swelling around the neck and throat.
In the most severe cases, the gazelle may remain lying down, unable to stand, with pale mucous membranes, a sign of septicemia (blood infection).
Death can occur very quickly, sometimes before clear signs have even been detected by caretakers.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Pasteurella (notably Pasteurella multocida) or sometimes Mannheimia haemolytica.
These bacteria can normally live in the upper airways of the animal without causing symptoms, until a triggering factor allows their multiplication and spread throughout the body.
Stress is the main risk factor: capture, transport, enclosure changes, extreme heat, overcrowding, or proximity to predators.
Extreme weather conditions, a weakened immune system, improper diet, or concurrent illness also increase vulnerability.
Young animals and those recently introduced to a group are particularly at risk.
Transmission
Transmission occurs through direct contact between animals, via respiratory secretions, or through contamination of the environment (water, food, enclosures).
Stress is a key factor that promotes the transition from asymptomatic carriage to active and contagious disease.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian relies on clinical signs, the animal's recent history (transport, stress), and laboratory tests.
A bacterial culture from samples (blood, respiratory secretions) identifies the bacterium responsible.
Necropsy is sometimes necessary in cases of sudden death to confirm the diagnosis and adjust care for other animals in the group.
Treatment
Treatment relies on appropriate antibiotic therapy prescribed by a veterinarian, combined with supportive care such as rehydration and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Because the disease progresses rapidly, early intervention is essential.
Rest and stress reduction are integral parts of care.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention relies chiefly on reducing stress: gentle and limited handling, transport under good conditions, sufficiently spacious and enriched enclosures.
Good environmental hygiene, appropriate diet, and regular health monitoring of the herd help limit risk.
Vaccination can be offered in certain breeding facilities and zoos in consultation with a veterinarian specializing in wildlife.
Quarantine of new arrivals before introduction to a group is also recommended.
Vaccination
Vaccines against certain Pasteurella strains exist and can be used in breeding facilities and zoos at risk, on veterinary advice, particularly before periods of anticipated transport or stress.
Possible complications
The most serious complication is generalized septicemia, which can lead to death within hours to days.
Severe pneumonia, bleeding disorders, and multi-organ failure can also develop.
When to see a veterinarian
Any animal that appears depressed, feverish, or refuses to eat should be reported to a veterinarian without delay.
Difficulty breathing or persistent cough in a dorcas gazelle requires urgent attention.
An animal lying down that cannot get up is an absolute emergency.
Any sudden and unexplained death in a group warrants immediate veterinary investigation to protect the other animals.
Prognosis
The prognosis is guarded to poor without rapid treatment, due to how quickly the disease can progress to septicemic form.
With early and appropriate care, some animals may survive, but mortality remains high, particularly during episodes of significant stress such as transport or capture.
Frequently asked questions
Can Pasteurella infection in the dorcas gazelle be transmitted to humans?
No, this form of pasteurellosis affecting the dorcas gazelle is not considered transmissible to humans under ordinary circumstances.
Why is transport so dangerous for these animals?
Transport generates intense stress that can reactivate bacteria already present in the animal's respiratory tract, promoting their multiplication and progression to systemic infection.
Can this disease be prevented by vaccination?
Yes, in certain parks and breeding facilities, targeted vaccination can be offered by the veterinarian, particularly before foreseeable stressful events such as transport.
Why is this disease so concerning for the conservation of the species?
The dorcas gazelle is an endangered species, and the rapid evolution of pasteurellosis can cause significant losses in the small populations of captive breeding programs.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 02 September 2026
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