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TB in UK Wild Mammals
Journal
The Veterinary Journal
-
Volume 164, Issue 2
,
September 2002,
Pages 90-105
Authors
R. J. Delahay, A. N. S. De Leeuw, A. M. Barlow, R. S. Clifton-Hadley and C. L. Cheeseman
from the Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, Yorkand the Veterinary Laboratories Agency
in Somerset and Surrey
Abstract
BTB caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a zoonotic
infection with a wide range of mammalian hosts. In parts of the UK btb
infection in cattle is a persistent problem. The badger
is implicated in the transmission of M. bovis to cattle, and is widely believed
to constitute the most important reservoir of infection in UK wildlife. However,
few studies have been carried out on the status of M. bovis infection in other
UK mammals. In this review we present information on the incidence and pathology
of M. bovis infection in UK wild mammals from both published and previously
unpublished sources. Although the evidence does not support the existence of a
significant self-maintaining reservoir of infection in any wild mammal other
than the badger, there is a clear lack of sufficient data to rule out the
involvement of other species. In the light of this and the dynamic nature of
epidemiological patterns, further surveillance for M. bovis infection in UK wild
mammals, using modern methods of diagnosis, is essential.
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