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Exudative dermatitis in possums

Exudative dermatitis is a well recognised syndrome in common and mountain brushtail possums in Australia (see Johnson, R., and S. Hemsley (2008). Gliders and possums pp 395 – 437 In L. Vogelnest and R. Woods (Eds). Medicine of Australian Native Mammals. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia).

 Insufficient data are available to define the species range, geographic range, prevalence, incidence, aetiology and epidemiology of the syndrome. Anecdotal evidence suggests an increasing incidence rate, with possibly an increasing prevalence in Mountain brushtails. The relationship between this condition in Australian possums and necrotizing fasciitis is currently being researched by workers at the University of Queensland. Necrotising fasciitis is often associated with MRSA and/or Group A Streptococcus, both of which have not been isolated to date in Australian possums.  Mycobacteria ulcerans (the cause of Bairnsdale or Buruli ulcer), has also not been isolated from cases. 

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