Detection of Pathogenic Mycobacteria of Veterinary Importance

There are a large variety of bacteria that are pathogenic for animals, including many opportunistic pathogens normally residing in the environment. Among these diverse veterinary pathogens, mycobacteria are highly significant, particularly for farmed animal species, as many are zoonotic, and their impact can have significant economic consequences. The genus Mycobacterium comprises more than 70 species (1 ). Many of these are innocuous free-living saprophytes, but some are inherently pathogenic for animals ( Table 1 ). Mycobacterium bovis , the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, has an exceptionally broad host range that includes farmed and feral animals, wildlife, and also humans (2 ). Bovine tuberculosis can be a serious barrier to the cattle trade within and between countries with significant agricultural economies. It is also an occupational zoonosis. Several countries in the developed world have been unable to eradicate bovine tuberculosis, despite implementing comprehensive and costly eradication schemes. The disease is epidemiologically complex, with interbovine transmission and wildlife reservoirs of infection suggested as the major obstacles to eradication (3 ).