A review on avian tuberculosis (<i>Avian mycobacteriosis</i>).
2015
Kwaghe, A. V. | Ndahi, M. D. | Usman, J. G. | Vakuru, C. T. | Iwar, V. N. | Ameh, J. A. | Ambali, A. G.
Avian tuberculosis is a chronic disease caused mainly by <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> in birds. The disease has a worldwide distribution affecting primarily adult birds because of its long incubation period, making it a common disease in zoo and breeding establishments. <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> is highly resistant to environmental challenges and can survive in soil for up to 4 years. It is spread by ingestion of food or water contaminated by faeces from birds which shed the organism. Despite the low zoonotic risk, the disease is more likely to affect human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients and other immunocompromised individuals. <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> causes serious disseminated bacterial infection in up to 40% of patients with advanced HIV infection indicating its public health importance as a disease. Control of the disease poses a serious challenge, owing to the presence of the disease in wildlife. This review covers the general knowledge on avian tuberculosis, diagnostic methods, zoonotic implications and challenges faced in the control and eradication of the disease.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by CABI