No evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in samples from cervids in various regions of Poland.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a widespread disease known to affect livestock and wildlife, as well as humans. However, its incidence in wildlife remains poorly recognized on the global level. In Europe, the majority of TB cases have been confirmed in red deer, badgers and wild boar.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the occurrence of TB in Cervidae in Poland, in areas where TB has been detected in cattle and wildlife.

Material and methods: Head and thoracic lymph nodes were collected from a total of 76 free-living red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), from nine Polish provinces during a single hunting season (autumn - winter 2018-19). Samples were subjected to conventional microbiological procedures to isolate mycobacteria.

Results: No Mycobacteria was isolated in the material collected from red or roe deer.

Conclusions: There is a need to continue monitoring the presence of TB in cattle and other animal species to ensure the protection of public health.