Possums as vectors of Tb in livestock
J.D. COLEMAN
Landcare Research, P.O. Box 69, Lincoln 8152, New Zealand
E-Mail:
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 2001. 61:
57-59
Bovine tuberculosis (Tb) is the most important disease of
livestock in New Zealand, and it occurs in cattle and deer herds at
relatively high incidences by international standards. Brushtail possums
are the major wildlife vector and maintenance host of Tb in New Zealand,
and their infection is the single greatest barrier to the eradication of
Tb from New Zealand livestock. The control of infected populations of
possums underpins attempts to eliminate the disease from livestock.
Possum populations infected with Tb occupy about 24% of New Zealand,
which is also where about 75% of the reactor herds and Tb-infected
cattle occur. Possums with Tb often exhibit lesions in their lungs and
external lymph nodes and infection in these sites appears to be involved
in the transmission of the disease to other possums. The mode of
transmission of Tb from possums to livestock is unproven, but it is
thought to occur when inquisitive stock encounter dying possums.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Possums; cattle; bovine Tb; epidemiology; Tb transmission
Last Updated 7/08/01
