The eradication of M. caprae tuberculosis in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Bieszczady Mountains, southern Poland – an administrative perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Animal tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic disease caused by acid-fast bacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Both animals and humans are susceptible to infection by the MTBC. Interspecies transmission is also possible, including to livestock and humans. In the years 1997–2013, many tuberculosis cases were recorded in European bison in the Bieszczady Mountains; more alarmingly, TB was also recorded in wild boar in the years 2013–2020. Material and Methods: In the years 2013–2020, 104 wild boar from the Bieszczady Mountains were tested for TB through necropsy, mycobacterial culture, strain identification and spoligotyping. Results: The microbiological examination confirmed TB in 46 wild boar; these infections were identified as M. caprae, spoligotype SB2391. Conclusion: Free-living European bison are at risk of TB infection from wild boar carrying M. caprae. This situation also poses a risk to local cattle. There is a need for further activities aimed at monitoring the disease, preventing further transmission, and minimising the risk to public health.