Bovine TB primarily affects cattle, however it can be present in a wide range of species, including camelids (such as alpacas and llamas), goats, sheep, badgers, cats and deer. It is important, as far as possible, to keep and manage these species separately from cattle to reduce the risk of spread of disease.
Badgers
bTB infection in badgers within Northern Ireland is widespread. The prevalence of bTB infection in badgers based on surveying of badgers found dead on roads has been estimated to be greater than 15%. This estimate is certainly an underestimate given the cost limitations of undertaking very detailed post mortem examinations. Therefore the prevalence of bTB in badgers within Northern Ireland is amongst the highest incidence rates of any pathogenic infectious disease in any wildlife species anywhere. While the most frequent site of infection is the lungs, bTB can affect almost any organ system in badgers. Infected bite wounds are frequently reported, more so in male badgers, probably due to behaviour related to territorial protection. In some cases infection in badgers can develop to advanced disease, emaciation and death.
It is now well established in the scientific literature that badgers have a role in the maintenance and spread of bTB in UK and Ireland. Badgers can act as bTB reservoirs of infection (maintenance hosts) leading to a spill over of infection to cattle. In a similar way cattle can act as a spill-over source of infection to badger populations. There are a number of factors that are likely to influence this between-species transmission pathway such as badger density, cattle density, the opportunity for cattle to have access to areas contaminated by badgers such as latrines and the opportunity of badgers to access cattle areas, such as feed storage or feeding areas.
Deer
Deer can also act as a reservoir of infection. Evidence on their role in bTB transmission to cattle is limited to certain areas where there are high densities of deer and where there are opportunities for cattle/deer interactions.
Cats
Cats can become infected with bTB by ingestion, for example, through drinking unpasteurised infected milk or milk products or consuming the carcases of infected animals, by inhalation (eg through close contact with infected farm animals) or through bite wounds (eg by being bitten by an infected animal or if a wound becomes infected by bacteria in the environment). Infection in cats can present as weight loss, chronic coughing, infected bite wounds which do not heal and swollen lymph nodes. Importantly cats can act as a source of infection to humans. Within the context of Northern Ireland any cat showing clinical signs consistent with bTB should be examined by a veterinary surgeon.
Camelids
Camelids such as llamas and alpacas are susceptible to bTB. The clinical signs are similar to other species. There are relatively few reports of bTB in camelids, but when it does occur is it most often associates with bTB in cattle. Therefore camelids should be kept away from high risk cattle and measures should be adopted to avoid indirect contact with badgers, for example fencing off badger latrines and ensuring badgers do not have access to feed bins or feeders.
For further detailed information go to https://tbhub.co.uk/tb-in-non-bovine-animals/camelids/