Pasteurella pneumonia
Pasteurella pneumonia is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs that affects ibexes, particularly in wild or semi-captive populations. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Pasteurella (and related genera such as Mannheimia or Biberstei...
What is it?
Pasteurella pneumonia is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs that affects ibexes, particularly in wild or semi-captive populations. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Pasteurella (and related genera such as Mannheimia or Bibersteinia), naturally present in the respiratory tract of many wild and domestic ungulates. These bacteria become pathogenic when the animal is weakened or stressed, or after contact with carrier domestic animals, particularly sheep or goats. This disease is known to cause episodes of significant mortality in ibexes and other wild goats, particularly during periods of climatic stress or high population density.
Key point
This disease can cause significant and rapid mortality within ibex populations, particularly during contact with small domestic ruminant carriers; it is considered a serious threat to the conservation of certain wild populations.
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:
Affected animals cough, have difficulty breathing and often have a runny nose.
Breathing may become rapid, shallow or noisy, sometimes with wheezing sounds.
A fever, marked depression and loss of appetite usually accompany the infection.
In severe forms, the animal remains lying down, refuses to move and can die within a few days, sometimes without very clear warning signs in wild animals that are difficult to observe.
In ibexes, the disease often progresses very quickly and can affect several individuals from the same group in a short time.
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 infection is caused by bacteria from the Pasteurellaceae group, including Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica and Bibersteinia trehalosi. These germs normally colonize the upper respiratory tract without causing disease. An imbalance linked to stress, cold, another viral infection or close contact with small domestic ruminants can allow the bacteria to descend into the lungs and trigger severe pneumonia.
Direct or indirect contact with small domestic ruminants is the main risk factor identified. Stress linked to difficult climatic conditions (cold, snow, drought), the high density of animals in the same area, insufficient food and an immune system weakened by another disease also favor the appearance of pneumonia.
Transmission
Transmission occurs through the respiratory route, via droplets projected when coughing or sneezing, and through close contact between animals. Sharing water points or grazing areas with healthy carrier domestic sheep or goats is considered an important factor of transmission to wild ibex populations.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination of sick or dead animals, supplemented by laboratory analyses: respiratory samples, bacterial culture and sometimes autopsy to observe the condition of the lungs. In wild animals, the diagnosis is often made after death, during an autopsy carried out by a veterinarian or wildlife service, particularly during episodes of cluster mortality.
Treatment
Treatment, when possible in a captured or captive animal, is based on antibiotics adapted to the bacteria in question, combined with supportive care. In free-ranging wild populations, individual treatment is rarely feasible and management relies primarily on prevention and surveillance.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
In wild populations, prevention is mainly based on limiting contact between ibexes and small domestic ruminants, particularly in shared grazing areas. For animals in parks or captivity, good density management, appropriate nutrition and regular health monitoring help reduce the risk. There is no vaccine commonly used in wild ibexes.
Possible complications
Pneumonia can progress to severe and irreversible lung damage, septicemia (spread of the bacteria throughout the body) and death. In wild populations, episodes of massive mortality affecting a large part of a herd have been reported during certain epizootics.
When to see a veterinarian
Observation of one or more ibexes coughing or breathing abnormally in a monitored group or in captivity.
Discovery of dead or moribund animals without apparent cause, especially in groups.
Appearance of respiratory signs in a captive or enclosure animal after contact with small domestic ruminants.
Marked depression, refusal to get up or move around an ibex being observed.
Prognosis
The prognosis is poor in the absence of rapid treatment, especially in a wild context where individual treatment is difficult to implement. In a captive animal treated early, the chances of recovery are better, but pulmonary after-effects may persist.
Frequently asked questions
Can the ibex transmit this disease to my domestic goats?
It is rather the opposite which is most documented: small domestic ruminants, often healthy carriers of these bacteria, can transmit the infection to wild ibexes, with sometimes serious consequences for the latter.
Is this disease dangerous for humans?
No, Pasteurella pneumonia in ibexes is not considered transmissible to humans under usual conditions.
Can we vaccinate ibexes against this disease?
There is no routine vaccination program for wild ibex populations; Prevention is mainly based on limiting contact with domestic animals.
Why does this disease often affect several animals at the same time?
Because the bacteria is easily transmitted by respiratory route between animals living in groups, which can cause rapid spread within a herd, especially in times of stress.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 14 September 2026
Comments (0)
No comments yet.
AT A GLANCE
Need a veterinarian?
Find a practitioner near you on TunisieVet, with their specialities, hours and contact details.
Find a veterinarianCategories
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.
Thinking of welcoming a pet? Dogs and cats are waiting for a family in Tunisia, and adoption is completely free.
Adoption listingsTo discover
Related diseases and linked Animalia content.
Sarcoptic mange
Parasitic
Brucellosis
Bacterial · Vaccine available
Bluetongue
Viral · Vaccine available
Paratuberculosis
Bacterial
TunisieVet in your pocket 📱🐾 Access your veterinary services wherever you are. [ Download the app ]
Learn more