Encephalomyocarditis virus in a captive Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus)

Abstract

A 5-month-old female captive Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) died suddenly without preceding symptoms. Gross necropsy revealed numerous white circular and linear foci in the myocard. Differential diagnosis all turned out negative, except for  encephalomyocarditis virus. Histopathology revealed mineralisation of myocardial cells and interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and less neutrophils.  Encephalomyocarditis virus was detected by PCR. Although encephalomyocarditis  virus occurs in many mammals, this is the first published description of this virus in a Malayan tapir.

Keywords: Encephalomyocarditis virus, Malayan tapir, Myocard, Tapirus indicus.