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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

R. S. Clifton-Hadley ,
J. W. Wilesmith  and
F. A. Stuart
R. S. Clifton-Hadley
Affiliation:
Epidemiology Department, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
J. W. Wilesmith
Affiliation:
Epidemiology Department, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
F. A. Stuart
Affiliation:
Epidemiology Department, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB
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Summary

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This 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.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 111 , Issue 1 , August 1993 , pp. 9 - 19
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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