Diseases and Mortality in Confiscated Birds and Reptiles Housed in a Wildlife Rescue Center Under the CITES Directive

Abstract

Simple Summary The global rise in confiscated animals protected under CITES has created significant health and resource challenges for wildlife authorities. Rescue centers play a key role by caring for these animals, supporting rehabilitation, and contributing to research and education. This study reviewed the causes of illness and death over four years in confiscated birds and reptiles in an authorized rescue center and determined that the leading cause of death was infectious disease in over half of the animals. Bacterial infections were most common, often affecting multiple organs. Some birds also showed signs of viral or parasitic infections, including one fatal case caused by a blood parasite. In reptiles, dehydration-related gout was a frequent finding, and one case involved kidney disease linked to an unidentified infectious agent. The results highlight the complex health problems faced by confiscated wildlife and emphasize the need for improved management and more individualized medical care in rescue centers. Abstract The number of confiscated CITES-listed animals has increased dramatically worldwide, creating significant health, logistical, and resource challenges for responsible authorities. Rescue centers represent a scientific and humanitarian response to this challenge, providing solutions through rehabilitation, research, and environmental education. This postmortem survey provides information on disease and mortality during a four-year period, in confiscated CITES-listed birds and reptiles housed in an authorized rescue center. A total of 29 animals (17 birds and 12 reptiles) were examined by necropsy and histopathology. Infectious disease accounted for the mortality of 58.8% of birds and 49.8% of reptiles, with overrepresentation of bacterial disease in both groups. Lesions consisted mainly of granulomas in multiple organs. Suspected viral disease occurred in 23.3% of birds, and protozoal infections were found in 17.3% of birds. Systemic disease caused by an unknown haemosporozoan was the cause of death in a Lonchura oryzivora. An unknown infectious agent was associated with renal disease in a Ctenosaura sp. Gout secondary to dehydration was overrepresented in reptiles (33.3%). This study highlights the complexity of disease processes affecting confiscated birds and reptiles in CITES rescue settings and provides invaluable information for other rescue centers that may impact the success of conservation strategies.