Tuberculosis


Definition of Tuberculosis
(Scientific name: Mycobacterium tuberculosis)

From the elephant glossary Section: disease


Relevant Literature about Tuberculosis
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex


M tuberculosis, M bovis, M africanum and M microti

TB is airborne and spreads through tiny droplets in the air. Symptoms of TB: chronic weight loss, diminished appetite, chronic nasal discharge, coughing, and intolerance to exercise, and unnormal volumes of drinking water.

Between 1994 and 2006, there have been 36 culture-confirmed cases of tuberculosis in U.S. elephants, most of them asian elephants (Report of the Committee on Tuberculosis, Elephant TB Diagnostics and Guidelines by Michele Mille).

From Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of Elephants, 2006 by Murray Fowler, Susan K. Mikota

Elephant Tuberculosis (by Susan Mikota)
Definition. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease affecting numerous Species. TB occurs in primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, tapirs, domestic and nondomestic bovidae, other nondomestic ungulates, and psittacine birds.

TB has been known to occur in elephants for over 2000 years.127 Reports from the 19th and early 20th centuries25,6,50,84,207,286 described the disease in Asian elephants. The first report of TB in African elephants was in 1962. 95,96 Additional reports appeared in the middle of the 20th century.100,107,133,229,254,267 In 1994 TB “emerged” as a disease of concern for captive elephants in North America, and between 1994 and 2005, 34 cases were confirmed (Mikota, unpublished). TB has also been reported in elephants in Europe.

Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of Elephants, 2006 by Murray Fowler, Susan K. Mikota



Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging infectious disease that can be transmitted within and between humans and animal Species by transfer of mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Its main representatives are M. tuberculosis (1), particularly infecting humans, and M. bovis hosted by a broad range of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Infection of captive and wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with M. tuberculosis has been shown worldwide (4–7). Transmission of M. tuberculosis from humans to elephants as well as other Species and vice versa, is likely to happen in situations of close and prolonged contact and may occur via air, droplets, mucus and feces (1, 4, 6, 8–12). Transmission between domesticated and wild elephants may furthermore occur in direct contact at their interface (6, 13–15) and, because mycobacteria can survive for more than 45 days in the environment, shared facilities and resources may be major risk factors for infection with M. tuberculosis. Especially in countries in South East Asia, like Thailand where TB prevalence in humans is very high, zoo employees, including ground keepers and custodians show a high incidence of interferon gamma release assay or tuberculin skin test positivity, indicating (latent) infection, related to their socio-economic background, thus identifying them as potential risk factors for the animals in their care.
Taweepoke et.al

77 Elephants suffering of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

NameSpecies
Sex
OriginAgeBirthDeath dateDeath reasonParentsArrival
Death location
+ -Tusker-LA
M
wild3119922023-08-09euthanised
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2021-04-07
Basel Zoo
+ -Balarama-EM
M
wild671956?2023-05-07unknown
suspected Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x
Mathigodu elephant Camp
+ -Reghuram Manisseri-EM
M
unknown5319682021-06-09disease
collapsed, due to Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and foot disease
x 1999-00-00
Vadakkoot Haridas
+ -Guruvayur Vailya Kesavan-EM
M
wild?2021-03-29disease
abscess on its back. Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 2000-05-09
Guruvayur Devaswom elephant camp
+ -Athi-EM
M
unknown2319972020-08-24unknown
collapsed 23rd, dead 24. Diagnosed with Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) July
x 2002-10-11
Ueno Zoo
+ -Airavata-EM
M
wild?2018-05-00
Heart-Related Ailment, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x
Mathigodu elephant Camp
+ -Rajeshwari-EM
F
captive-born4019782018-04-21euthanised
acute Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))
x Gowri1982-00-00
Arulmigu Sugavaneswarar Temple
+ -Bharatha-EM
M
wild720102017-12-00disease
bacterial infection, possibly Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 2013-08-28
Theppakadu Mudumalai Forest Camp (MFC)
+ -Sasi-EM
M
?2017-10-18disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x
Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)
+ -Luxmi-EM
F
wild?2017-06-02disease
Asphysixa resulting from suppurative pneumonitis. Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x
Amer Fort elephant village
+ -Packy-EM
M
captive-born551962-04-142017-02-09euthanised
because of Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
Thonglaw x Belle1962-04-14
Portland Zoo (Metro Washington Park Zoo)
+ -Hamsa Raj-EM
M
wild6519522017disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x
Kerala unspecified location
+ -noname (wild)-LA
wild?2017disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x
Kruger National Park
+ -noname (wild)-EM
F
wild?2016-12-08disease
severe lung infection, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x
Nagarhole National Park
+ -Narmada-EM
F
wild?2016-12-01disease
severe heart attack, bacterial infection, possibly Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 2013-08-28
Theppakadu Mudumalai Forest Camp (MFC)
+ -Krishna-EM
M
wild?~20062016-11-00disease
bacterial infection, possibly Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))?
x 2013-08-28
Theppakadu Mudumalai Forest Camp (MFC)
+ -Venattumattam Ganesan-EM
M
3219842016-10-05disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x
Pravithanam private owner
+ -Boonkong-EM
M
wild?2016-08-24disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))
x
FAE Elephant Hospital
+ -Tusko-EM
M
wild4419712015-12-22euthanised
foot problems and Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2005-06-20
Portland Zoo (Metro Washington Park Zoo)
+ -Kadar Fathima Beevi-EM
F
wild?2015-12-15
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x
Nagore Dargah (Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Dargah)
+ -Sumatra-EM
F
wild5219632015-06-00disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), kidney failure
x
Knies Kinderzoo
+ -Nang Lieng-EM
F
unknown4119742015-05-07disease
collapsed, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))?
x
Buon Don Eco Tourism Company
+ -Laxmi Kali-EM
F
unknown?2014-09-29disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x
Holiday Safari
+ -Greta (Griet)-LA
F
wild3119832014-09-26euthanised
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2012-08-27
Beekse Bergen Safaripark
+ -Betty (Betje)-LA
F
wild3119832014-03-19disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 2012-08-27
Beekse Bergen Safaripark
+ -Jewel (Cutie)-EM
F
wild6119522013-09-08?euthanised
arthritis and severe musculoskeletal problems, Necropsy positive for Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2011-06-08
Little Rock Zoological Gardens
+ -Buon Nhan-EM
F
unknown6419492013-04-09unknown
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)) positive?
x
Y Glur B Krong
+ -Sabu (Look Chai)-EM
M
captive-born301982-10-012012-01-11euthanised
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and severe arthritis?
Tunga (Tonga) x Hanako2010-10-00
Performing Animal Welfare Society / ARK 2000 (PAWS)
+ -Frida-EM
F
wild?2011-09-06?anesthesia
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1998-00-00
Quilpue Zoo (El Parque Zoológico de Quilpué)
+ -Loisaba-LA
F
wild131998-01-002011-06-28disease
pneumonia indicating Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) or Cancer
x
Tsavo National Park
+ -Rebecca-EM
F
wild5019612011-01-08euthanised
polyathritis, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 2004-01-20
Performing Animal Welfare Society / ARK 2000 (PAWS)
+ -Deepa-EM
F
wild420072011-01-06anesthesia
congestive heart failure, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 2004-00-00
Kaziranga Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC)
+ -Salaita-LA
M
wild220082010-11-14disease
pneumonia indicating Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) or Cancer?
x 2010-09-25
DSWT Ithumba
+ -Dondi-EM
F
wild3619742010-07-28disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1975-04-00
Phil Schacht
+ -Jan-EM
F
wild3719712008-04-11disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1985-00-00
Tarzan Zerbini Circus
+ -Miss Elly-LA
F
wild?2007?disease
possibly Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))?
x
Adventure Zone (Safari Par Excellence)
+ -Sumathi-EM
F
wild?2006-11-03disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 1987-00-00
Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Temple
+ -Lota-EM
F
wild5319522005-02-10disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2004-11-17
Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary (TES)
+ -Radha-EM
F
wild?2005
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x
Mumbai Byculla Jijamata Udyan zoo
+ -Shona-LA
F
wild1419902004-12-08euthanised
Positive Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) trunk-wash test
x 1993-00-00
Boras Zoo
+ -Tatima (Deteema)-LA
F
wild3519692004-10-15disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2003-04-21
Lincoln Park Zoo
+ -Roma-EM
F
wild4419602004-10-08euthanised
osteoarthritis, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x
Two Tails Ranch
+ -Calle-EM
F
wild3719672004-03-06euthanised
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), arthritis
x 1997-03-19
San Francisco Zoo
+ -Myntrik-LA
F
wild2019842004-01-30euthanised
Positive Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) trunk-wash test
x 1998-07-13
Peaugres Safaripark
+ -Donkey-EM
F
wild3819652003-05-26euthanised
Positive Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) trunk-wash test
x 1965-00-00
Kolmarden Zoo
+ -Sandai-EM
F
wild1819852003-05-14euthanised
Positive Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) trunk-wash test, delivery problem
x 2000-08-23
Kolmarden Zoo
+ -stillborn-EM
M
captive-born02003-05-142003-05-14stillborn
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)? Calf died in utero prior to caesarean section
Brahma x Sandai2003-05-14
Kolmarden Zoo
+ -Jenny-EM
F
wild3819642002-11-27disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2002-00-00
Circus Fliegenpilz
+ -Brahma-EM
M
wild2019822002-09-29euthanised
Positive Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) trunk-wash test
x 1994-03-30
Kolmarden Zoo
+ -Mida-EM
F
wild2719752002-02-11euthanised
Positive Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) trunk-wash test
x 1985-02-16
Kolmarden Zoo
+ -Putschie-EM
F
wild3019712001-10-31euthanised
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1990-05-02
Kolmarden Zoo
+ -Siwa-EM
F
wild4819522000-10-12disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1955-08-31
Wuppertal Zoo
+ -Nancy-LA
F
wild4719532000-08-23euthanised
Post mortum: Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1956-09-18
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
+ -Carolyn-EM
F
wild3219682000-04-11disease
Pyelonephritis, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), arthritis
x 1991-09-26
St Louis Zoo
+ -Tetchi (Teetchie)-EM
F
wild5219471999-10-08euthanised
osteoarthritis in multiple joints and an M. Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) infection of the lung
x 1968-11-00
Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus (Red Unit)
+ -Kooboo-LA
M
wild?1999disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1995-00-00
Wuppertal Zoo
+ -Miriam (Maria?)-EM
F
wild3219661998-03-00anesthesia
kidney problems, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x
Circus Afrika
+ -Annie-EM
F
wild3219651997-03-22disease
salmonella; Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1994-04-18
Los Angeles Zoo
+ -Tunga (Tonga)-EM
M
wild3219641996-09-19disease
massive heart failure. Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 1991-07-03
Hawthorn Corporation
+ -Hattie-EM
F
wild2619701996-08-07disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1990-05-18
Hawthorn Corporation
+ -Joyce-EM
F
wild4819481996-08-03anesthesia
during dental work, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1970-00-00
Hawthorn Corporation
+ -Khali-EM
F
wild1919761995disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1979-12-29
Budapest Zoo
+ -Taku (Taki, Chajeng)-EM
F
wild2619621988-08-15disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1984-04-27
Augsburg Zoo
+ -Thaia-EM
F
wild2219661988euthanised
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1980-09-08
Zurich Zoo
+ -Dinah-EM
F
wild3819461984-06-06disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)?
x 1970-07-08
Copenhagen Zoo
+ -Moti (Mohti)-EM
M
wild2519481973-05-24anesthesia
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1962-04-17
Hannover Zoo
+ -Babe-EM
F
wild3519231958disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1945-00-00
Clyde Beatty Circus
+ -Borneo (Buldiu)-EM
M
wild?1943disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))
x 1940-00-00
Munich Zoo
+ -Jumbo-LA
M
wild?1940disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1925-00-00
Dresden Zoo
+ -Jumbo II (Safari)-LA
M
wild1219241936-11-26disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1934-12-19
Cole Brothers Circus
+ -Sandrina-EM
F
wild?1935-07-05disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1929-05-12
Rome Zoo
+ -Bambina-EM
F
wild?>19071927disease
anemiia, Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))?
x
Circus Strassburger
+ -Jenny (Butcher, Putcher)-EM
F
captive-born251850-07-001875-07-07disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x Katimeh (Betsy)1851-04-19
London Zoo
+ -Madras-EM
F
wild0disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2009-00-00
Zooparque Itatiba
+ -Jill-EM
F
wild-19461946-10-00disease
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 1960-00-00
King Brothers Circus
+ -Andal-EM
M
unknown0unknown
Elephant TB (Mycobacterium Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis))
x 2019-12-00
Top Slip Kozhikkamuthy Elephant camp (Annaimalai)
+ -Periyanayagi-EM
F
unknown0
diagnosed with Elephant TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
x 2008-04-00
Madras Vandalur Zoo




Reference list Koehl, Dan, (2024). Tuberculosis. Elephant Encyclopedia, available online retrieved 20 September 2021 at https://www.elephant.se/index.php?id=236. (archived at the Wayback machine)


Sources used for this article is among others:

  • *FOWLER

Selected publications
  • Taweepoke Angkwanish1, Hans J. C. M. Vernooij, Anucha Sirimalaisuwan, Pattara Charernpan, Mirjam Nielen and Victor P. M. G. Rutten, Prevalence and Demographic Risk Factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infections in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) Based on Serological Assays

Links about Tuberculosis

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Categories glossary | disease


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