Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-Ranging African Elephants

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.

Automated summary

This article describes two incidental cases of bovine tuberculosis in free-ranging African elephants from a tuberculosis-endemic national park in South Africa. The occurrence of these cases has important epidemiologic implications.