The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle at the wildlife/livestock interface in the Mnisi community, South Africa

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The pathogen has a wide host range including humans, wildlife, livestock as well as domestic animals. The disease has great implications in livestock productivity, conservation of endangered wildlife and public health due to its zoonotic potential (Firdessa et al., 2012). Reports have mentioned the endemic levels and potential spread of BTB in South African game reserves, particularly the Kruger National Park (Michel et al., 2006). However, limited to no research has been conducted to investigate the potential spill-back of BTB into livestock, especially in communities' bordering the game reserves at the wildlife/livestock/human interface.