Husbandry and pathology of rodents and lagomorphs in Swiss zoos [Élevage et pathologie des rongeurs et des lagomorphes dans les zoos suisses].

Résumé

The present paper aims to give an overview of the keeping of rodents and lagomorphs (excluding domesticated rabbits, guinea pigs, golden hamsters, rats and mice) in the four scientifically directed zoos of Switzerland, to provide some information on animal health problems encountered in these species, and to make some recommendations regarding the prevention of diseases and accidents. The keeping of rodents and lagomorphs has a long tradition in Swiss zoos. Basel Zoo, for instance already had a squirrel house and a marmot rock when it was opened in 1874 (SARASIN 1924). With some interruptions, American or European beavers1 were kept from 1876 to 1968, capybaras from 1887 to 1958, and Alpine marmots from 1889 to 1995. Coypus and porcupines arrived for the first time in 1883, agoutis in 1888, and prairie dogs in 1893.