Necrotic exfoliative dermatitis of captive squid (Loligo pealei).

Abstract A necrotic exfoliative dermatitis of captive squid, Loligo pealei , is described. The clinical, gross, and histologic features of the disease are given. The disease is progressive and is defined in three stages, culminating in massive exfoliation of the skin and death of the animal. Microscopic lesions are intimately associated with uniform populations of bacteria, consisting of chains of Gram-negative, long filamentous rods. A description of the normal histologic structure of the skin is presented. The etiologic agent of this disease has not been demonstrated.