Mycobacteriosis in the Kruger National Park

Abstract

A fatal case of Mycobacteriosis in a free-ranging Impala Aepyceros Melampus from the Kruger National Park (KNP) is described. A description of the macro- and microscopical manifestations is given. This is the first report of Mycobacteriosis in the KNP and in the Impala. In a subsequent survey on 27 939 animals, which represents five different big game species from the KNP, negative results for mycobacteriosis were obtained. In the light of these findings it is conjectured that the one positive case in the Impala was incidental with the source of infection unknown. The possibility of it being due to the avian Tubercle Bacillus is, however, raised.