Screening for Bovine Tuberculosis in African Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania: Implications for Public Health

A low prevalence (2%) of bovine tuberculosis was detected in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, using interferon gamma assays. The study highlights potential cross-species transmission risks between wildlife and livestock, given the intense interaction in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers immobilized 102 buffalo from 16 herds using chemical sedatives and tested plasma samples for Mycobacterium bovis infection. These findings align with recent cattle skin test results, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate zoonotic disease spread.

Katale, B. Z., Fyumagwa, R. D., Mjingo, E. E., Sayalel, K., Batamuzi, E. K., Matee, M. I., Keyyu, J. D., Muumba, J., Mdaki, M., Mbugi, E. V., Rweyemamu, M. M., & Mpanduji, D. G. (2017). SCREENING FOR BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN AFRICAN BUFFALO (SYNCERUS CAFFER) IN NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA, NORTHERN TANZANIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 53(4), 711–717. https://doi.org/10.7589/2016-10-223