Abstract:
Impalas (Aepyceros melampus) are common African antelope. A retrospective study was
conducted of 251 impala cases from game farms, national parks and zoos submitted by
veterinarians and pathologists in South Africa (2003–2016). Histopathology slides as well as
records of macroscopic lesions and additional diagnostic tests performed were examined.
Non-infectious conditions, such as acute pulmonary congestion and oedema, cachexia,
traumatic injury and anaesthetic-related mortality were the most common causes of morbidity
and mortality. Bacterial sepsis was the most common infectious disease, whilst skeletal muscle
and myocardial sarcocystosis and verminous cholangitis and pneumonia were the most
common parasitic diseases. Although the retrospective nature of this study limits the
significance of the relative prevalence of lesions in the three locations, management decisions
and diagnostic plans may be informed by the results. Impala from game farms had significantly
more cachexia cases than those from other locations. Impala from zoos had significantly more
lymphoid depletion than those from other locations. These findings suggest that nutrition and
pasture management, enclosure design, management of intra- and interspecies aggression and
improved anaesthetic protocols could improve animal welfare and survival of impala on game
farms and in zoos. This report presents a detailed survey of diseases and conditions found in
impala that provides baseline data for veterinary pathologists.
