Tuberculosis in wild badgers (Meles meles) in Gloucestershire: pathology

Authors:
  • JGJ. Gallagher
    J. Gallagher
  • RMR. Muirhead
    R. Muirhead
  • KBK. Burn
    K. Burn
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The gross and histological appearances of the lesions of tuberculosis in 36 wild badgers found to be infected with Mycobacterium bovis are described. These badgers were examined over a period of two years during an investigation into the possible epidemiological association of tuberculosis in badgers and cattle. The possible significance of the lesions in transmission of M bovis to cattle and other badgers is discussed. The histological appearance of the lesions was considered to be indicative of a lesser hypersensitivity reaction than is seen in the bovine.