An epidemiological investigation into Mycoplasma bovis infection in U.S. bison (Bison bison): A case-control survey

Abstract

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is an emerging pathogen in North American Bison (Bison bison) characterized by significant mor­bidity and mortality. Herds are reported to experience case fa­tality rates from 10 to 45%, with mature animals being primar­ily affected. To date, there are no published reports regarding the epidemiology of M. bovis within U.S. bison herds; this study serves as the first in-depth analysis of the prevalence, clinical signs and potential risk factors for M. bovis-associated disease in the United States.