SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ) – Test results show that three otters who died at the NEW Zoo last month had a salmonella infection.
Dr. Tracey Gilbert, a veterinarian, tells our media partner FOX 11 that results from the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab confirmed the bacterial infection in the animals.
An adult female and 2 of her pups died. Two other pups born in the same litter in March survived after being treated with oral antibiotics.
Gilbert said the strain of salmonella involved was one that otters would typically survive after experiencing symptoms for a few days. However, the mother’s body was under unusual stress as she was feeding the four pups, making her vulnerable to the infection. The strain is resistant to all but two types of antibiotics.
NEW Zoo Director Neil Anderson says the surviving otter pups are doing well and there is no sign of salmonella infection among any other animals at the zoo.
