Gorilla diseases and causes of death.

The causes of 48 gorilla deaths were investigated and normal weights for organs ascertained. Half of the gorilla deaths in zoos occurred before maturity at around 8 years of age. Eight of the 48 died in the perinatal period from rejection, stillbirth or abortion. The majority of gorillas succumb to various types of enterocolitis. The most common aetiological agents are Shigella, Salmonella, Balantidia and a variety of parasites, principally Strongyloides. A variety of preventable virus infections and fungal infections are important diseases that must be avoided in the captive maintenance of gorillas. Dental problems emerge as a recently recognized threat for gorillas, as does mycoplasma infection with arthritis.