Tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis is an important problem in most species of farmed and wild cervids, including axis deer, fallow deer, roe deer, mule deer, sika deer, as well as red deer/elk/wapati. Deer appear to be unusually susceptible to M bovis infections. M avium infections may produce similar lesions. M tuberculosis infection is uncommon. Tuberculous lesions may be confined to isolated lymph nodes of the head, or they may be found extensively in lymph nodes and organs after a rapid, fulminating disease course. Abscessation in deer should always raise suspicions of tuberculosis. A presumptive diagnosis may be made using the tuberculin skin test and/or by in vitro cellular assays (blood lymphocyte immune-stimulation test or γ interferon assay), or a combination of these tests. Infection should be confirmed by an organism-based test.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Tuberculosis and other Mycobacterial Infections
Overview of Tuberculosis and other Mycobacterial Infections
Tuberculosis in Cattle
Tuberculosis in Sheep and Goats
Tuberculosis in Deer and Elk
Tuberculosis in Horses
Tuberculosis in Elephants
Tuberculosis in Pigs
Tuberculosis in Dogs
Tuberculosis in Cats
Tuberculosis in Rabbits
Tuberculosis in Guinea Pigs
Tuberculosis in Nonhuman Primates
Tuberculosis in Free-ranging and Captive Hoofed Animals
Tuberculosis in Marine Mammals
Mycobacterial Infections Other than Tuberculosis
