Neoplasms in Wild Animals in India

Abstract

Neoplasm or tumour occurs as an unexplained, clinically silent mass in tissue. It can be due to epigenetic or genetic alterations. However, precise clinical examination, observation and biopsy and other diagnostic procedures can be used for confirmatory diagnosis and helps in identification and treatment of the various tumours. They are classified as benign and malignant neoplasms on basis of metastasis. Neoplasm is a condition commonly affecting the animal kingdom as compared with plant because of the presence of cell wall in them. Carcinogenesis involves both the genetic and epigenetic alterations. Genetics involves changes with the DNA, and epigenetics involves alterations without changes in the DNA. Cancer is most commonly studied in companion animals; however, wild animals though equally affected by neoplasms are rarely reported as they are most commonly encountered during post-mortem, and often signs and symptoms are noticed which coincide with tumour development. The article presents the information about neoplastic occurrence in various wild animals and birds. The related safety issues as wild animals act as source of disease to humans, especially the zoo keepers in contact with them.