MYCOBACTERIUM-BOVIS IN THE EUROPEAN BADGER (MELES-MELES) - EPIDEMIOLOGIC FINDINGS IN TUBERCULOUS BADGERS FROM A NATURALLY INFECTED-POPULATION

This study investigates the course of tuberculosis in a naturally infe cted badger population, its impact on the population and the risk of s pread to other species in the light of capture data and post-mortem fi ndings from 47 tuberculous badgers, stratified by age group and sex, a ccrued since 1975. The findings are compared with those for 260 badger s from the same population in whom no evidence of infection was detect ed. Detailed estimates of seasonal variations in bodyweight for uninfe cted male and female cub, yearling and adult badgers are presented and compared to the weights at post-mortem examination of the tuberculous badgers, in whom poor condition and weight loss were the principal pr esenting signs. Lesions were seen especially in the lungs and associat ed lymph nodes, and in the kidneys. Organisms were detected intermitte ntly in faeces, urine, sputum and discharging bite wounds. Infected an imals could survive for nearly 2 years and produce cubs successfully.