Toxoplasma gondii infection in a Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum)

Abstract A 5‐year‐old Patagonian mara ( Dolichotis patagonum ) was lethargic and died naturally despite treatment attempts. It was submitted for postmortem examination, which revealed necrotising pneumonia and hepatitis with intralesional apicomplexan protozoan. Toxoplasma gondii was positive on the liver via polymerase chain reaction. Microscopic examination and molecular testing confirmed systemic toxoplasmosis as the cause of death in this Patagonian mara. T. gondii infection should also be considered as a possible differential for necrotising hepatitis in Patagonian maras.