Novel Techniques for Detection of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in a Cheetah

Abstract

In South Africa, bovine tuberculosis threatens some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, including the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). The lack of antemortem diagnostic tests for this species strongly hinders conservation efforts. We report use of antemortem and postmortem diagnostic assays to detect Mycobacterium bovis infection in a cheetah.

Keywords

• cheetah
• Acinonyx jubatus
• novel techniques
• detection
• CXCL9 gene expression assay
• Mycobacterium bovis