Tuberculosis in Rhinoceros: An Underrecognized Threat?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Wildlife Conservation
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) has historically impacted captive rhinoceroses for nearly two centuries.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) is the causative agent, with Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) increasingly implicated in free-ranging rhinoceroses in South Africa.
• The full impact of TB on rhinoceros health and conservation in areas endemic for M. bovis remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on tuberculosis in rhinoceroses.
• To identify critical knowledge gaps regarding TB in rhinoceros populations.
• To assess the potential threat of TB to rhinoceros conservation efforts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and recent TB cases in rhinoceroses.
• Analysis of documented reports on morbidity and mortality caused by TB.
• Examination of diagnostic challenges in detecting TB in living wildlife.

Main Results:

• TB has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality across various rhinoceros species globally.
• Sporadic cases of M. bovis TB have been reported in South African rhinoceroses.
• A critical lack of diagnostic tools for detecting TB in living rhinoceroses hinders accurate risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• Tuberculosis poses a potential, under-recognized threat to rhinoceros populations, particularly in M. bovis endemic regions.
• Urgent development and implementation of diagnostic tools are necessary for effective TB management and conservation.
• Addressing knowledge gaps is crucial to prevent detrimental impacts on rhinoceros conservation and wildlife health.