Abstract

A retrospective evaluation of data on antibodies to respiratory viruses in Beira antelopes was
conducted due to the occurrence of chronic “Fibrinous Pleuropneumonia Syndrome” (FPPS) in
Beira antelopes at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, to detect an indication for a virological problem
contributing to the susceptibility of Beiras to infection with Mycoplasma spp. Data on Speke’s
gazelles at AWWP were evaluated for comparison. From the 5 tested respiratory viruses BHV-1,
BVD, ADENO-3, PI-3 and BRSV, significant antibody titres were only found for BRSV and PI-3.
Speke‘s gazelles were found to have higher antibody titres for both viruses than the Beira
antelope, with respiratory signs noted in accordance with virological findings In Beira, the often
fatal respiratory syndrome appears unlikely to be related to any of these viruses.