Clinicopathological findings of melioidosis in captive red-legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) in northern Queensland, Australia

Background: Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an important disease that is endemic in areas of northern Australia and can cause a wide range of clinical signs in people and animals. There is limited published data on the disease in marsupials.

Case report: Two captive red-legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) with collective signs of lethargy, dysphagia and bloody oral discharge were submitted for necropsy and showed variations in pathology findings ranging from multifocal abscessation in various tissues to evidence of fulminant septicaemia. In both cases Burkholderia pseudomallei was confirmed by bacterial culture and qPCR.

Conclusion: This report details the first report of melioidosis in captive red-legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) and describes the variations in clinical signs and pathological findings that were encountered with the disease. More research is needed to better understand melioidosis in marsupials to aid clinicians in making a prompt diagnosis.