Bacterial Valvular Endocarditis in a Black Bear from Labrador

Abstract

In fall 1991, a radio-collared black bear (Ursus americanus) in northern Labrador (Canada) died from valvular endocarditis caused by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, with widespread dissemination of the infection to other organs shortly before death. Apparently, this is the first reported case of bacterial valvular endocarditis in a wild black bear.