HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) IN THE IVANOVO REGION OF RUSSIA

Abstract

This work describes histopathological changes in the central nervous system of moose (Alces alces) of different ages from various regions of the Ivanovo District. Moose are affected in certain parts of the world by a variety of infectious agents, such as anthrax, rinderpest, necrobacillosis, and foot and mouth disease, which is contracted by coming into contact with reindeer. All of these agents are capable of causing serious disease. Our present work attempted to detect less conspicuous forms of disease in moose that might reflect disturbances or degradation of ecological systems comprising their habitat. We particularly noted lesions in the central system of moose that were characterized by nonpurulent meningo–encephalitis, edema, perivasculitis in extracellular spaces, and focal ischaemic necrosis because of thrombosis of small vessels. Such changes presumably resulted from neuro–dynamical, vascular, physical–chemical, and fluid disturbances and were pronounced in the central nervous system of moose inhabiting regions with unfavorable environmental conditions. We observed the most serious changes in regions where chemical weed–killers, pesticides, and mineral fertilizers were irrationally applied.