Mycobacterium bovis in the European badger (Meles meles): epidemiological findings in tuberculous badgers from a naturally infected population

Abstract

SUMMARYThis study investigates the course of tuberculosis in a naturally infected badger population, its impact on the population and the risk of spread to other species in the light of capture data and post-mortem findings from 47 tuberculous badgers, stratified by age group and sex, accrued since 1975. The findings are compared with those for 260 badgers from the same population in whom no evidence of infection was detected. Detailed estimates of seasonal variations in bodyweight for uninfected male and female cub, yearling and adult badgers are presented and compared to the weights at post-mortem examination of the tuberculous badgers, in whom poor condition and weight loss were the principal presenting signs. Lesions were seen especially in the lungs and associated lymph nodes, and in the kidneys. Organisms were detected intermittently in faeces, urine, sputum and discharging bite wounds. Infected animals could survive for nearly 2 years and produce cubs successfully.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination reduces the severity and progression of tuberculosis in badgers

“…The endobronchial M. bovis infection model is particularly suitable for the experimental evaluation of vaccine efficacy as the respiratory route is considered the primary route of M. bovis infection in wild badgers [5].…”

Tuberculous Meningoencephalitis in a Wild Boar

“…Expression of the disease in this case could be attributable to a massive bacterial proliferation resulting from a failure of the cellular immune response, a feature previously reported to occur in badgers (Clifton-Hadley et al, 1993). It has also been postulated that stress factors associated with continual movement associated with food shortage or the expulsion of subadult wild boar males from the family group might be contributory factors (Fernandez-Llario et al, 2004).…”

Quantifying direct and indirect contacts for the potential transmission of infection between species using a multilayer contact network

“…Samples collected while badgers were under anaesthesia were used to ascertain bTB infection status. Badgers were classified as infected if they tested positive for at least one of three diagnostic tests (Drewe et al, 2010): mycobacterial culture of clinical samples (Clifton-Hadley et al, 1993), a serological assay (Stat-Pak; Chambers et al, 2008) and a gammainterferon assay (Dalley et al, 2008) at any capture event prior to when collars were fitted. While these tests individually have their limitations, combining test results increases the likelihood of correctly determining M. bovis infection status (Drewe et al, 2010).…”