An evaluation of tuberculin skin tests used to diagnose tuberculosis in swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Three types of tuberculin tests were evaluated in swamp buffaloes in two he rds of known tuberculosis-positive and tuberculosis-negative status, and th e results were compared with postmortem records of 73 tuberculous and 12 no n-tuberculous buffaloes from a different herd. Of the 73 tuberculous swamp buffaloes, 30 (41%), 46 (63%) and 56 (77%) animals were detected by the cau dal-fold skin test, the cervical skin test and the Stormont test, respectiv ely. Of the 12 nontuberculous buffaloes, 5 (42%), 4 (34%), and 10 (83%) rea cted to the above-mentioned three tuberculin tests, respectively. The react ion was more-pronounced in the cervical skin than in the caudal-fold skin w hen the single intradermal test was used on the same individual. The Stormo nt test (a form of the double intradermal test) was the most-sensitive but least-specific test. We concluded that the tuberculin tests described showe d poor sensitivity and specificity in swamp buffaloes. Another diagnostic p rocedure should thus be sought for more-accurate diagnosis. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.