Cutaneous Staphylococcal Granuloma in a Free Living Zebra (Equus burchelli) in Zambia

Abstract

An outgrowth on the left anteriothoracic region behind the elbow joint was seen in a free living Zebra at the time of postmortem examination. The covering skin was ulcerated, nodular, hard with multiple fistula containing yellowish pus. A pure culture of coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, was isolated from the deep tissue. Histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous dermatitis characterized by eosinophilic amorphous grains including bacterial colonies. This is the first report of cutaneous staphylococcal granuloma in Zebra in Zambia.