An outbreak of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cats in an animal house

Abstract

An outbreak of tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis in cats in an animal house was investigated. It was concluded that the index case was infected by ingestion of contaminated meat obtained from a knackery and that some of the other cases were infected by inhalation of tubercle bacilli shed from a discharging sinus in the index case. A possum was also infected and a research worker apparently received a significant challenge.

Bovine Tuberculosis in Free-Ranging Carnivores From Michigan

“…This is the first report of bovine tuberculosis in a bobcat. This finding was not unexpected as M. bovis has been reported in other felids: leopards (Panthera uncia and Panthera pardus) (Thorel et al, 1998), lions (Panthera leo) (Keet et al, 1996), a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) (Keet et al, 1996), a tiger (Panthera tigris) (Lumeij et al, 1987), and domestic cats (Isaac et al, 1983). This is also the first report of M. bovis in free-ranging raccoons.…”

“…Several reports of M. bovis infection in carnivores have been attributed to the consumption of tuberculous meat (Francis, 1958;Isaac et al, 1983;Little et al, 1982). In view of this evidence, the most likely source of infection for these carnivores/ omnivores was through the consumption of tuberculous white-tailed deer.…”

Bacterial Diseases

“…The relative impact of M. bovis compared with M. tuberculosis presumably varies among different geographic regions, with M. bovis accounting for a minority of human infections in virtually all regions. 570,571 Ingestion of infected small mammals like badgers and opossums is also possible; however, direct respiratory exposure cannot be excluded since infections have been reported in dogs that have been bitten by badgers or squirrels. 559 In areas where pasteurization is mandatory, infection rates are very low and are most often associated with occupational inhalation of M. bovis , particularly in slaughterhouse workers.…”

“…Intradermal skin testing with bacilli Calmette -Guerin, an attenuated M. bovis strain, may be more reliable for both M. bovis and M. tuberculosis but The incidence and risk factors for transmission to or between companion animals have not been adequately evaluated. 570 Respiratory transmission is also a possible concern, since it is known to occur between badgers. 571 In contrast, an earlier study during major outbreaks identifi ed M. bovis in 4/9 dogs and 24/52 cats on infected farms.…”

Feline tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis

“…I have seen this startlingly rapid progression in two confirmed nosocomial cases, with clinical signs arising as soon as 14 days after ovariohysterectomy and rapid progression to the point of euthanasia at 42 days after castration (Murray and others 2014). Rapid disease progression has previously been seen in experimental (Francis 1958) and naturally occurring infections (Isaac and others 1983), and may result from a large inoculation of M bovis (Francis 1958). …”