Bobcat Anomalies

The NC biologists are notifying NC trappers to be on the look-out for any bobcats exhibiting systems described below. 

You can contact your district wildlife biologist and they may wish to test it. 

https://www.ncwildlife.org/hunting/trapping-north-carolina/furbearer-cooperator-program

Please see the information below regarding an emerging neurological disorder in Florida panthers and bobcats recently recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Additionally, see the link below to an article that has video of affected animals, ranging from mild to severe.

Florida cases:

• FWC has received reports of Florida panthers and bobcats observed with hind limb weakness and incoordination. 
• Necropsies performed on several animals revealed consistent histologic lesions (symmetrical demyelination) in the spinal cord and to a lesser extent, the brain; thus, the disease has been termed feline leukomyelopathy (FLM). 
• FWC first became aware of this disease in 2018 in southwest Florida, and since then has documented the condition in bobcats at additional locations in peninsular Florida. 
• Since the disease appears to be statewide, it may also be present in other southeastern states. 
• The cause of the syndrome is currently not known but is under investigation.
• Clinical appearance - link to article with video: https://www.wyff4.com/article/wildlife-officials-are-investigating-why-panthers-are-seen-stumbling-and-falling-down-1566400248/28772843#