The epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) in the Hauhungaroa Ranges, New Zealand

Authors: Patterson KP, Pfeiffer DU, Morris RS, Ryan TJ, Hickling GJ, Crews KB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 43, Issue 7, pp 272-280, Dec 1995
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Possum, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Disease transmission, Disease/defect, Epidemiology, Mycobacterial, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: The prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in the wild possum population around the perimeter of the Hauhungaroa Ranges, New Zealand, was determined by a cross-sectional study, and risk factors associated with tuberculosis were identified. Of 6083 possums necropsied, 128 (2.1%) showed gross lesions suggestive of tuberculosis infection, and 76 (1.25%) were subsequently confirmed as tuberculous on histopathological examination. Considering only traplines where tuberculosis was detected, adult possums were 1.9 times as likely to be infected as immature animals, and the total prevalence was 5.4% in males compared with 3.9% in females. Adult females were 3.64 times as likely to be infected as immature females, whereas there was no significant age difference for males (odds ratio = 1.46, p=O.29). Immature males were 3.12 times as likely to be infected as immature females. Possums in poor condition were more likely to be found infected than possums in good condition. Tuberculous possums were found in 27 local clusters of infection. The correlation between the prevalence of tuberculosis in possums in zones and the incidence of tuberculosis in cattle on adjoining properties was 0.4 (p<O.05).

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