Prevalence and Risk Mapping of Mycobacterium bovis in Wildlife Near Cattle Farms

Abstract

The persistence of Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, in wildlife reservoirs has been a serious obstacle in the elimination of the disease in cattle.  The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence and spatial distribution of M. bovis in wildlife near cattle farms through synthesis of field monitoring, genetic diagnostics, and geospatial risk mapping.  We collected 384 wildlife (wild boars, deer, badgers, and small mammals) samples across 18 sites in three transnational ecosystems.  The detection based on PCR revealed a prevalence of M. bovis in 17.2 of the samples, being the wild boars the most infected (23.6%).  Risk mapping showed that the areas of cattle concentration and common water resources were also the infection hotspots mainly.  The multivariate logistic regression model established that closeness to farms, common water points, and thick vegetation cover entailed high chances of infection (p < 0.05).  Molecular typing showed that there were six M. bovis genotypes with SB0140 as the predominant one, and which was identified in both cattle and wildlife.  Such findings indicate that wildlife and livestock populations have a close ecological and epidemiological relationship.  The investigation highlights the urgent need of integrated, cross-sectoral control Hampering the spread of M. bovis between species and beyond national boundaries requires coherent, cross-sectoral control, including precision vaccination, habitat control, and One Health-oriented surveillance.