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ULTIMATE DISEASE DETECTIVES

The University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program is a full-service
diagnostic, teaching, and research pathology program that specializes
in exotic and wildlife diseases. The program is a unique collaboration
between Brookfield Zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Forest Preserves
of Cook County, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and the University of
Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Since its founding in 1993, the program has expanded and provides
services to zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations across the
globe. Some of its scientists are world-renowned experts in diagnosing
animal diseases. “They are the ultimate disease detectives,” said
Dr. Meehan.
The program’s primary focus is to assist with disease diagnosis
in zoo animals. This includes looking at biopsies and other samples
from zoo animals and performing necropsies, or animal autopsies,
on every zoo animal when it dies. These postmortem examinations
are required by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ accreditation
standards and are critical to the understanding of animals’ diet, hus-
bandry, and environment. They may also uncover diseases that could
impact the health of a group of animals.
The program’s services are also provided to wildlife biologists
studying animals in the Forest Preserves. Data from pathologists inform
them about diseases circulating in the Forest Preserves. This informa-
tion, coupled with data collected on animals’ whereabouts, give Dr. Meehan performs a health assessment on a rare North American river otter
scientists valuable detail about what is going on in the environment. █ that was found in a Cook County waterway.

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