Tuberculosis in a flock of sheep

Authors: Davidson RM, Beatson NS, Alley MR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 29, Issue 1-2, pp 1-2, Jan 1981
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Bacterial, Ear/nose/throat, Epidemiology, Mycobacterial, Disease/defect, Respiratory system, Inflammation, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Tuberculosis in a flock of sheep in the Buller district of New Zealand was investigated in 1970. Seventy sheep which had given positive responses to an intradermal tuberculin test were necropsied. Lesions were found in 43 (61%). The lesions ranged from encapsulated, mineralised foci in single lymph nodes, to extensive, soft, caseous lesions involving entire thoracic or abdominal nodes and forming confluent tubercles in dorsal parts of the lung. The distribution of gross lesions suggested that infection by ingestion seemed likely in 14 (52%) and by inhalation in 13 (48%) of 27 sheep for which the probable route of infection could be established. Following histological examination it was concluded that the ovine lesions of tuberculosis are similar to those seen in cattle.

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