Antibodies against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Brucella spp. in captive and free‐living European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland

Abstract Background The European bison (Bison bonasus), a symbol of Polish nature, is a protected species that requires active health monitoring. However, conservation efforts are made difficult by the zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis and tuberculosis. Objective The aim of this study was to screen the Polish European bison population for exposure to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and Brucella spp. Methods A total of 323 free‐living and captive European bison from 13 localities were tested serologically for antibodies against the M. bovis P22 multi‐protein complex (in‐house ELISA) and against Brucella spp. (commercial ELISA). Results Antibodies against the MTC (P22) were detected in 7% (22/323) of the tested European bison. Anti‐MTC antibody positivity was not significantly different by sex, age, and captive/free range status. Anti‐MTC antibodies were found in six of 13 populations sampled, always in populations with larger sample sizes including the four free‐living ones. Antibodies against Brucella spp. were detected in 36% (116/323) of the tested bison. While Brucella spp. antibody prevalence was not different by sex, it was significantly different by age (lower in adults) and captive/free‐living status. Brucella spp. seroprevalence decreased with sample size and seropositive bison were found in 12 of 13 sampling populations. Conclusions Our findings identify potential emerging threats to the European bison population and confirm the first serological response to P22 in European bison. As Poland is currently officially free of brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, our results require careful interpretation. Further studies are needed to establish the presence of cross‐reactions with atypical mycobacteria in the case of MTC and other bacteria (e.g. Yersinia enterocolitica O:9) in the case of Brucella spp.