Acute toxoplasmosis and pox-viral dermatitis in a juvenile bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in New Brunswick, Canada

Although birds of prey are commonly subclinically infected by Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts, clinical disease is relatively rare in these species. The present report describes a rare case of fatal toxoplasmosis in a juvenile bald eagle in New Brunswick. Necropsy investigation revealed severe emaciation and poxviral dermatitis which partially obscured the palpebral fissures. Microscopically there was severe lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and necrosis of the lung that was associated with abundant protozoal tachyzoites. Infection with T. gondii was confirmed in the lung via immunohistochemistry and DNA sequencing. Key clinical message: Wildlife rehabilitation centers should be aware of the potential occurrence of acute clinical toxoplasmosis in stressed malnourished raptors.