TUBERCULOSIS IN COMMERCIAL EMUS (DROMAIUS-NOVAEHOLLANDIAE)

Extensive granuloma formation typical of tuberculosis was observed in a mature female emu. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of a cid-fast bacilli in lesions and culture of a Mycobacterium with growth characteristics resembling M. avium from liver tissue. Individual emu s on the affected farm and an epidemiologically related unit gave a po sitive skin reaction to intradermal M. avium tuberculin. The implicati on of tuberculosis in commercial emus is noted in relation to the grow th of the industry in North America and to management and commercial p ractices that encourage dissemination of infection within the species and to other exotic and domestic animals.