Tuberculosis in deer: perceptions, problems and progress

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Animal Husbandry

Background:

• Deer farming has grown significantly over 30 years, increasing awareness of tuberculosis (TB) risks.
• Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection is prevalent in farmed deer globally, posing a threat to animal health and potentially zoonotic transmission.
• Current TB control policies in deer include herd depopulation and selective testing, with varying effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize recent research on tuberculosis in domesticated deer.
• To explore advancements in understanding the aetiology, transmission, and pathogenesis of M. bovis in ruminants.
• To identify new strategies for the diagnosis, prevention, and control of TB in farmed deer populations.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review incorporating microbiological, immunological, and molecular methodologies.
• Analysis of research on M. bovis infection in ruminants, including deer, cattle, and humans.
• Synthesis of findings related to disease diagnosis, host resistance, and control strategies.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in understanding TB aetiology, transmission, and pathogenesis in deer.
• New diagnostic tools and insights into the heritability of M. bovis resistance have emerged.
• Research has provided valuable data complementing existing knowledge on bovine and human TB.

Conclusions:

• Advanced research offers new strategies for improved diagnosis and vaccination against TB in deer.
• Selective breeding for resistance to M. bovis infection presents a promising avenue for long-term control.
• Findings have implications for controlling TB across human, domestic livestock, and wildlife populations.