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Advanced tuberculosis in an African buffalo (Syncerus caffer Sparrman)
D F Keet1, N P Kriek, H Huchzermeyer
1Principal State Veterinarian, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Republic of South Africa.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Necropsy revealed generalized bovine tuberculosis in an African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) caused by Mycobacterium bovis. Rapid infection spread suggests high infectivity, potentially influenced by environmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) poses a significant threat to wildlife populations.
- African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are known reservoirs for Mycobacterium bovis.
- Understanding disease pathogenesis in wildlife is crucial for conservation and control efforts.
Observation:
- A necropsy was performed on an emaciated 8-year-old female African buffalo from Kruger National Park.
- Gross pathological changes indicated generalized bovine tuberculosis.
- Macroscopic lesions in the lungs and lymph nodes were caseous necrotic with liquefied foci.
Findings:
- Mycobacterium bovis was successfully cultured from pulmonary lesions.
- Lesion distribution and characteristics suggest an initial aerogenous infection route.
- Secondary bacterial metastasis to the intestine was observed, indicating rapid systemic spread.
- Cavernous pulmonary lesions suggest the animal was highly infective.
Implications:
- The rapid progression of BTB in this case highlights the potential for swift disease spread within buffalo populations.
- Environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and UV exposure may influence disease pathogenesis.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring BTB in wildlife and understanding transmission dynamics.