Abstract: A calf Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) stranded on a beach along the Cear� coast of Brazil, was rescued and transferred to a Rehabilitation Center. This animal died 25 days later without apparent clinical symptoms. The necropsy showed an accumulation of fibrinous exudates deposited in the mesentery, on the intestinal surface and on the walls of the abdominal cavity. The mesentery was hyperemic, with areas of great congestion. Macroscopic alterations of the digestive tract were not observed. It was noted that certain regions of the liver showed altered consistency. The histological analysis showed necrotic alterations in the stomach mucosal and the caecum. The liver exhibited a discreet interstitial edema. Furthermore, samples of the liver and caecum were submitted for primary cultures in selective media. Following this procedure, a rapid serum agglutination assay was performed together with standard biochemical tests, which confirmed the presence of Salmonella panama. Therefore, it was concluded that the cause of death of the young Trichechus manatus manatus was an acute salmonellosis, caused by Salmonella Panama.

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