An outbreak of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus infection of probable human origin in Wanderoos (Macaca silenus)--case report.

Three out of ten young to adult wanderoos (M. silenus) of a breeding colony at the Rheine Zoo died within two days from a peracute illness, characterized by salivation, vomiting, apathy and minor CNS symptoms. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus was isolated in pure cultures from all organs of two animals investigated bacteriologically. The strains were penicillin-susceptible, and penicillin treatment of all remaining animals cured two already sick animals and prevented further cases. A volunteer worker with upper respiratory disease was suspected as source of infection; contact with equine materials and rodents could be excluded.