Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-Ranging African Elephants

Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Mar;27(3):990-992. doi: 10.3201/eid2703.204729.

Abstract

Mycobacterium bovis infection in wildlife species occurs worldwide. However, few cases of M. bovis infection in captive elephants have been reported. We describe 2 incidental cases of bovine tuberculosis in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana) from a tuberculosis-endemic national park in South Africa and the epidemiologic implications of these infections.

Keywords: African elephant; GeneXpert Ultra; Kruger National Park; Loxodonta africana; Mycobacterium bovis; South Africa; bacteria; endemic bovine tuberculosis; tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Elephants*
  • Mycobacterium bovis*
  • South Africa
  • Tuberculosis*