Lechwe Research Articles

Specialised for the Swamp, Catered for in Captivity? A Cross-Institutional Evaluation of Captive Husbandry for Two Species of Lechwe.

Simple SummaryLechwe are social antelope adapted to wetland environments that can perform a ritualised courtship display. Although commonly housed in zoos, there is little published information available to guide their management. This study aimed to understand current husbandry practice for southern and Nile lechwe housed in North American and European institutions. A survey was sent to holders of these species, with questions addressing group demographics, enclosure characteristics, diet, enrichment, and occurrence of abnormal behaviours. Results showed that captive lechwe herds consisted of a similar ratio of male to females compared to wild herds, but there may be a limit to the number of male animals available to females at any one time. Lechwe enclosures typically featured wetland areas but these were rarely managed and there were often limited areas of vegetation for cover. The diets provided to lechwe differed when compared to existing husbandry guidelines but did not significantly differ between sampled zoos (in terms of ingredients commonly used). Abnormal behaviours were reported at several zoos but no specific causal factor was identified. This research provides a starting point for further study of the husbandry requirements of these specialised ungulates and considers the role of ecological information to the management of captive wild animals.Lechwe are specialised wetland antelope that can have a strict social hierarchy or perform lekking during breeding. The southern lechwe (Kobus leche) and the Nile lechwe (K. megaceros) are both found in zoos globally, but little research is available to support husbandry decisions. The aim of this research was to investigate current housing and husbandry used for these lechwe across North American and European zoos. A survey was distributed to holders in 2018 and information on 33 herds (18 Nile and 15 southern) was collected. The survey focussed on population demographics, enclosure size, biologically relevant exhibit features, mixed-species holdings, nutrition, use of environmental enrichment and performance of abnormal repetitive behaviours. Results showed that lechwe were housed in herds with similar sex ratios to wild counterparts but with a potential lack of opportunity to lek. Many zoos provided wetland, but this was rarely actively managed, and not all zoos provided cover for hiding and retreat. Current feeding practice differed significantly compared to available antelope husbandry guidelines. No consistency in amounts of pellet, forage or produce provided to lechwe across institutions was found. Abnormal repetitive behaviour was noted by several zoos, but no significant predictor of such behaviour could be identified. Despite some identifiable recognition of ecology informing lechwe management, it is important that evidence-based husbandry decisions are made based on a species’ evolutionary pathway and ecological needs and some fundamental features of lechwe husbandry do not always correlate with the adaptive traits of a specialised wetland ungulate.

Impacts on freshwater macrophytes produced by small invertebrate herbivores: Afrotropical and Neotropical wetlands compared

We compare invertebrate herbivory upon 13 macrophyte species in freshwater wetland systems located in two global ecozones, the Afrotropics and Neotropics, in the context of biotic and environmental factors influencing these wetlands. The two ecozones are climatically similar regions, with similar water chemistry, but experience contrasting grazing and disturbance pressures from large mammalian herbivores. Our results for macrophytes show that small invertebrates removed significantly more lamina biomass per leaf in Neotropical macrophytes (6.55%) than Afrotropical ones (4.99%). Overall, the results indicate that underestimation of up to 15.6% of leaf biomass may occur if plant tissue removal by invertebrate herbivores is not included in estimates of plant biomass. Regarding the contrasting grazing and disturbance pressures from large herbivores influencing these wetlands, seven mammal species (especially the Black Lechwe antelope, Kobus leche) were observed impacting macrophytes in the Afrotropical wetlands, while in the Neotropics, only much smaller rodents, capybara, (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) were sporadically observed. We discuss the relevance of results for invertebrate herbivory in the context of both the methodological approach and the importance of large mammalian herbivores as biotic factors additionally impacting macrophyte populations in these subtropical to tropical wetlands.

HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY VALUES OF CAPTIVE SOUTHERN LECHWES (KOBUS LECHE)

Blood samples collected from captive Southern lechwes (Kobus leche) were used to develop reference intervals for complete blood count and serum biochemistry values. The study population consisted in 108 healthy individuals, including 62 females and 46 males and 38 neonates (<2 days old), 27 juveniles (2 mo to 2 yr old), and 43 adults (>2 yr old) from the Réserve Africaine de Sigean, Sigean, France, between 2014 and 2016. No significant effects of sex and season of sampling were found. No significant differences were found for all hematology and biochemistry parameters between juveniles and adults, and their results were then combined. Significant differences were found between animals >2 mo old and neonates for most tested parameters; in particular, neonates had lower hemoglobin, eosinophil count, alanine transaminase, and total protein values, but higher alkaline phosphatase values. The reference intervals obtained were similar to values previously reported for other Bovidae species.

Patterns of permit requests and issuance for regulated alien and invasive species in South Africa for the period 2015‐2018

AbstractInvasive species typically establish in areas outside their natural distribution through accidental introduction and accidental release or escape. Some species are introduced legally for economic and social benefits such as recreational hunting, the pet trade and research through established permitting processes driven by appropriate laws and regulations. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a trend in demand for regulated alien taxa based on permit requests and to ascertain the activities for which permits requested in order to infer the drivers of alien taxa demand in South Africa. We examined the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) species permitting application database records from October 2015 to February 2018. From the total of 1,390 permit applications during this period, 79.2% of the permits were issued for various economic and social activities associated with the following species: Red lechwe (Kobus leche leche, Gray), fallow deer (Dama dama Linnaeus), Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Valenciennes), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus) and rose‐ring parakeet (Psittacula krameri Scopoli). Our results suggest that economic activities such as hunting and sport fishing are driving the demand for some regulated species. We suggest reinforced monitoring and inspection for permit compliance for species sought to minimise potential escape.

Terrestrial mammalian wildlife responses to Unmanned Aerial Systems approaches

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are increasingly being used recreationally, commercially and for wildlife research, but very few studies have quantified terrestrial mammalian reactions to UAS approaches. We used two Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAS to approach seven herbivore species in the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana, after securing the relevant permissions. We recorded responses to 103 vertical and 120 horizontal approaches, the latter from three altitudes above ground level (AGL). We ran mixed logistic regressions to identify factors triggering (i) any response and (ii) an evasive response. We included effects of activity, altitude, direction of approach, distance, habitat, herd type, herd size, other species, target species, time, VTOL type and wind strength. Response triggers were linked to altitude, distance, habitat and target species. Elephant (Loxodonta africana), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and zebra (Equus quagga) were most affected by VTOL approach, impala (Aepyceros melampus) and lechwe (Kobus leche) were least responsive, and tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) displayed intermediate sensitivity. VTOLs flown lower than 60 m AGL and closer than 100 m horizontal distance from target animals triggered behavioural responses in most species. Enforced regulations on recreational UAS use in wildlife areas are necessary to minimise disturbance to terrestrial mammals.

Biometric analysis of testicles of the Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) and Bangweulu lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) in Zambia

The Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) is a unique antelope found only in the Kafue basin of Zambia and is the main source of local income and protein. Its population has been dwindling over the years supposedly due to poaching and environmental pollution in the area and without mention of reproductive causes. The present study was a pilot study which determined biometric measurements of the testicles in adult lechwes as measures of reproductive ability and fertility. Testicles from 24 Kafue and 24 Bangweulu lechwes were examined from August to October 2009. The measurements were taken using Calipers, a ruler and string for testicular length, width, height, head size, body and tail of the epididymis. All testicular parameters were significantly higher in the Kafue than the Bangweulu lechwe. The study also found cases of cryptorchidism and abnormal epididymis in the Kafue and Bangweulu lechwes, respectively. The testicular parameters were measured during the non-breeding season thus influence of breeding on testicular biometry is expected. This was the first study of its kind and further studies on the reproductive physiology and biology are required to understand various causes of reductions in population and thereby aid the conservation of this species.

Diagnosis of pregnancy in Southern Lechwes (Kobus Leche) using a bovine assay for pregnancy-associated glycoprotein

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000206 EndHTML:0000004229 StartFragment:0000002452 EndFragment:0000004193 SourceURL:file://localhost/Volumes/NO%20NAME/000/Article%20PAG%20cobes%20final%202.1%20BL-CP-TR.doc Pregnancy diagnosis is an important part in reproduction management of wild ruminants involved in free-ranging and captive programs. The pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are a polymorphic family of placenta-expressed proteins, and released into maternal blood circulation where they can be assayed. These tests have been developed and validated in domestic species; PAGs have also been isolated in a few non domestic species of the Bovidae and Cervidae families. Assays have been used in many cervid species, but in very few wild Bovidae species,with high specificity. One hundred and twenty serum samples collected from 79 mature female Southern lechwes (Kobus leche) were tested using a commercial ELISA test (IDEXX Bovine Pregnancy Test Kit, IDEXX Europe BV, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands). Pregnancy was determined either at necropsy (n = 7), by transabdominal palpation in late pregnancy (n = 3), or by visualization of birth (n = 32). The other sera were controls from known non-pregnant females (n = 78). Following the range of use recommended by the manufacturer in domestic bovids, three false positive and two false negative results were identified; though this test gets the following values: sensitivity = 95.2%, specificity = 97.4%, positive predictive value = 95.2%, and negative predictive value = 97.4%. Using an ELISA validated in domestic species for the detection of PAGs appears to be a rapid, inexpensive and acurate test for pregnancy diagnosis in Southern lechwes. Nevertheless, more samples are needed to determine a better range of use of this test in this species.

Ground survey of red lechwe in the Linyanti swamps and Chobe floodplains, northern Botswana

A ground survey of red lechwe was carried out in the Linyanti swamps and the Chobe floodplains of northern Botswana in the dry and wet seasons of 2012 and 2013, respectively. We documented numbers, sex ratio and age structure of red lechwe within the linear strips of 25 km × 300 m along the Linyanti swamps and the Chobe floodplains. Results indicated a significant difference in the numbers of red lechwe between sites and seasons. About 66 and 755 red lechwe were estimated for Chobe in the dry and wet season, respectively, with 343 and 261 of them estimated for Linyanti in the dry and wet season, respectively. In Chobe, the red lechwe densities varied widely between seasons (9 red lechwe/km2 – 101 red lechwe/km2 ) compared with Linyanti, where the densities did not vary much between seasons (35 red lechwe/km2 – 46 red lechwe/km2 ). The lower densities of red lechwe in Chobe in the dry season when compared with the wet season suggest a possible seasonal shift in the distribution of red lechwe to the nearby Zambezi floodplains in Namibia.Conservation implications: The higher number of red lechwe in the Chobe floodplains in the wet season indicates the potential of the floodplains as a habitat for this species in that season. The dry season shift in the distribution of red lechwe in Chobe presents an opportunity for local communities in Namibia to engage in tourism, whereas the return of the red lechwe to the floodplains in the wet season ensures protection of the animals as well as boosts the tourism potential of the Chobe National Park.

Food Quality in Lusaka National Park: Tracking Mortality in Black Lechwe Antelopes

ABSTRACTTranslocation is one of the fundamental tools in wildlife management but only if appropriately undertaken. In 2009, 30 black lechwe antelopes were suddenly translocated from the State House Habitat (STH) into the newly established Lusaka National Park (LNP). However, within 4 months of being translocated to LNP, 28 black lechwes (93%) died. A pathological report produced by veterinarians following a postmortem examination suggested no disease incidence affected the antelopes. The food quality of LNP was tested and compared to that in the STH and the antelopes’ native habitat of the Bangweulu wetlands (BGW) to establish if variations in food quality were responsible for the antelopes’ mortality. The findings suggest that the food quality in LNP was greatly inferior to that in STH, which could explain the observed high mortality of the antelopes in LNP. Further, the quality of food in LNP did not widely differ from that in the BGW, suggesting that the antelopes might not have survived had they been translocated to their native habitat, as they had already adapted to feeding on highly nutritious supplementary feed at the STH.

English

This study was conducted at the livestock/wildlife interface areas of national parks and traditional cattle grazing areas. The main aim of the study was to establish the occurrence of Escherichia coli serogroups isolated from Kafue lechwe antelopes (Kobus leche kafuensis) and pastoral cattle. A total of 593 faecal samples from lechwe (232) and pastoral cattle (361) were conveniently picked from the grazing pastures in the interface areas and cultured for E. coli. From each faecal sample, two or three presumptive E. coli isolates were picked to constitute 1,283 isolates with 574 from lechwe and 708 from cattle. Some of these isolates were found to be similar to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 on CHROMagar and sorbitol MacConkey agar. Only 18 E. coli isolates from Kafue lechwe antelopes were grouped into eight serogroups while 32 from pastoral cattle were grouped into 16 serogroups. The most prevalent type-able serogroups from lechwe antelopes and pastoral cattle were O125 (5.8%) and O29 (4.2%), respectively. On further analysis by fermentation of various sugars, some isolates showed a similar pattern suggesting that the strains were indistinguishable. Key words: Escherichia coli, diarrheagenic, Shiga toxin, Kobus leche kafuensis, pastoral cattle.

Isolation and characterization of non tuberculous mycobacteria from humans and animals in Namwala District of Zambia.

BackgroundThe genus Mycobacterium contains more than 100 species, most of which are classified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In Zambia, the NTM are slowly becoming recognized as pathogens of major public health significance with the advent of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This study aimed at reporting the isolated NTM and ascertains their zoonotic potential and diagnostic significance in Zambia.MethodA total of 100 sputum samples were collected from three health facilities from suspected pulmonary tuberculosis human patients. In addition, 67 lymph node tissue samples from cattle and 14 from Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) showing tuberculosis-like lesions were collected. The samples were appropriately decontaminated and cultured on Middlebrook 7H10 and Stone brink. The isolates were then identified accordingly using the 16S ribosomal RNA analysis method.ResultsA total of 8 NTM were isolated from human sputum, 12 from cattle and 1 from the Kafue lechwe. The identified NTM included M. intracellulae, M. abscess, M. chimaera, M. bolleti, M. fortuitum and M. stomatopae sp. Nov.ConclusionThe isolation of NTM from humans and animals at the interface in Namwala district has highlighted the clinical significance and diagnostic challenge. The epidemiological investigation of NTM in the study area is therefore recommended. This should include sampling from environmental sources such as water and soil.

Taenia spp. infections in wildlife in the Bangweulu and Kafue flood plains ecosystems of Zambia

Taenia spp. have an indirect life cycle, cycling between a definitive and an intermediate host with zoonotic species causing public health problems in many developing countries. During the course of 2 separate surveys in Zambia (2004 and 2009), the presence of Taenia larval stages (cysticerci) was examined in Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis), Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithermani) and other wildlife species from the Kafue and Bangweulu flood plains. Examinations involved post-mortem inspection and serum specific antigen detection. The recovered cysts from seven carcasses were characterised using PCR and DNA sequence analysis.The overall proportion of infection in wildlife on post-mortem examination was 19.0% (95% CI: 9.1–29.0%). The proportion of infected wildlife based on post-mortem examinations in the Kafue flood plains was estimated at 28.6% (95% CI: 13.3–43.9%), while the seroprevalence was estimated at 25.0% (95% CI: 2.9–47.1%). The seroprevalence for cattle in the Kafue flood plains was estimated at 61.5% (95% CI: 42.0–81.0%) while that of Kafue lechwe in the same ecosystem was estimated at 66.6% (95% CI: 45.6–85.7%). Infection rates were higher in Kafue lechwe than in Black lechwe suggesting differences in the exposure patterns.The sequencing results indicated that none of the recovered cysts were either Taenia solium or Taenia saginata. We therefore conclude they most likely belong to a less studied (wildlife) Taenia species that requires further characterisation.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis from Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) from Zambia

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. Infections due to M. bovis, which serves as a stable reservoir, can pose serious challenge to control and eradicate in both wildlife and livestock at the interface. This study aimed at isolating and characterizing M. bovis from Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) and black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) at the animal/human interface in Zambia. The samples with lesions compatible with BTB collected during the hunting seasons of 2009 and 2010 were cultured for isolation of mycobacteria using Stonebrink with pyruvate (BD Diagnostics, MD, USA) and Middlebrook 7H10 (BD Diagnostics) slants. Isolated mycobacteria were identified using IS6110 polymerase chain reaction and deletion analysis. Molecular characterization of the isolates was performed using spoligotyping and mycobacteria interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) with nine loci. Data was analyzed using BioNumerics software 6.1. Out of the 39 samples, acid fast bacilli were detected in 27 (69.2%) based on smear microscopy. Seven isolates were found to belong to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and all were identified as M. bovis based on deletion analysis. All seven isolates were identical on spoligotyping as belonging to the SB0120 (SIT 482). MIRU-VNTR differentiated the isolates into five different patterns. This study has confirmed that M. bovis circulates in the Kafue lechwe, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria were detected in the black lechwe in Zambia which represents a wildlife reservoir, with a potential to spillover to cattle and humans. Isolates of M. bovis from lechwe antelopes are much conserved as only one spoligotype was detected. The study has shown that three loci differentiated fairly well. This option is cheap and less laborious, and hence a better option in resource-strained country like Zambia. The study further showed that some of the loci recommended by the European Reference Laboratory are not suitable for typing M. bovis in Zambia.

A review of tuberculosis at the wildlife-livestock-human interface in Zambia.

Zambia’s estimated incidence of all forms of human tuberculosis (TB) is 707/100,000. High prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) – infection with Mycobacterium bovis – in cattle and the Kafue lechwe antelopes (Kobus leche Kafuensis) has been reported in the Kafue basin. Consumption of unpasteurised milk and meat products from infected animals poses a risk of transmitting zoonotic tuberculosis to people living at the human-animal interface. Despite the reported high prevalence of BTB in both livestock and wildlife, information on the proportion of human patients infected with M. bovis is unknown in Zambia. This paper reviews the available information in English on human, livestock and wildlife TB in Zambia with the purpose of assessing the burden of animal infections with M. tuberculosis complex and its public health implications.

Monitoring the endangered population of the antelope &lt;i&gt;Kobus leche smithemani&lt;/i&gt; (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), in the Bangweulu ecosystem, Zambia

Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) is a semi-aquatic medium sized antelope currently enlisted on the IUCN red list of endangered species and is only endemic to the Bangweulu basin of Zambia. Its population has significantly decreased due to floods that took place during the period 1930-1940 from over 250 000-15000 leading the Zambian government to gazette all habitats of Black lechwe into state protected areas, and to establish urgent management strategies needed to save the remaining population from extinction. Using retrospective data, our findings show that the population has increased from 15000 animals in 1954 to 55 632 in 2009. The current population is estimated at 34.77% (55 632/160 000) of the carrying capacity of the Bangweulu basin. Although the Black lechwe is one of the 42 species offered for consumptive utilization by the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), only 0.12% and 0.08% of the current stock was offered for safari and resident hunting annually for the period 2005-2009, respectively. Annual quota utilization were estimated at 67% (n=37) and 81% (n=37) for safari and resident hunting, respectively. Hence, overall income obtained from utilization of Black lechwe is very low accounting for only 2.1% of the total revenue earned from wildlife utilization. Although the current population trend is showing a unit increase of 639 animals per year, it is still far below levels ideal for the lucrative utilization. In this study, we demonstrate that adverse ecological changes on wildlife species, can lead to their vulnerability and danger of extinction, and that their recovery to full carrying capacity may demand a considerable amount of time.

The nucleotide sequence of metallothioneins (MT) in liver of the Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) and their potential as biomarkers of heavy metal pollution of the Kafue River

The study determined heavy metal concentrations and MT1 nucleotide sequence [phylogeny] in liver of the Kafue lechwe. Applicability of MT1 as a biomarker of pollution was assessed.cDNA-encoding sequences for lechwe MT1 were amplified by RT-PCR to characterize the sequence of MT1 which was subjected to BLAST searching at NCBI. Phylogenetic relationships were based on pairwise matrix of sequence divergences calculated by Clustal W. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by NJ method using PHILLIP program. Metals were extracted by acid digestion and concentrations of Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni were determined using an AAS. MT1 mRNA expression levels were measured by quantitative comparative real-time RT-PCR.Lechwe MT1 has a length of 183bp, which encode for MT1 proteins of 61AA, which include 20 cysteines. Nucleotide sequence of lechwe MT1 showed identity with sheep MT (97%) and cattle MT1E (97%). Phylogenetic tree revealed that lechwe MT1 was clustered with sheep MT and cattle MT1E. Cu and Ni concentrations and MT1 mRNA expression levels of lechwe from Blue Lagoon were significantly higher than those from Lochinvar (p<0.05). Concentrations of Cd and Cu, Co and Cu, Co and Pb, Ni and Cu, and Ni and Cr were positively correlated. Spearman's rank correlations also showed positive correlations between Cu and Co concentrations and MT mRNA expression. PCA further suggested that MT mRNA expression was related to Zn and Cd concentrations.Hepatic MT1 mRNA expression in lechwe can be used as biomarker of heavy metal pollution.

Detection of parasites and parasitic infections of free-ranging wildlife on a game ranch in zambia: a challenge for disease control.

Ex-situ conservancies are expanding alternatives to livestock production in Zambia albeit the lack of information on circulating infectious parasites from wildlife. Therefore, 12 wildlife species were examined on a game ranch were all species were found to be infected by Rhipecephalus spp. Haemoparasite infections were estimated at 7.37% (n = 95) with Babesia spp. detected in bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus); Anaplasma marginale in impala (Aepyceros melampus) and puku (Kobus vardonii) for the first time in Zambia. The majority of worm species isolated from bovids were not detected in equids and, vice versa. Our findings intimate ecological and behavioural patterns of some animals as deterministic to exposure. Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) had the widest range of worm species with more infected organs than other animals suggesting their semi aquatic nature contributory to prolonged worm exposure compared to other animals. On the other hand, Kafue lechwe had the least tick infections attributable more to shorter attachment periods as they spend prolonged periods submerged in water. Our findings indicate the vital role that wildlife plays in the epidemiology of parasitic diseases. To reduce the infection burden, control measures should be focused on reducing transmission to highly susceptible animal species as described herein.

Failure to detect tuberculosis in Black lechwe antelopes (Kobus leche smithemani) in Zambia

BackgroundTwo types of lechwe antelopes exclusively exist in their natural ecosystems in Zambia; the Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) and the Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis). Despite inhabiting similar ecosystems, tuberculosis has been reported in Kafue lechwe without its documentation in Black lechwe antelopes. However, the past few decades have seen a drastic decline in both lechwe populations. Whereas studies have postulated that infectious diseases such as tuberculosis are having a negative impact on the Kafue lechwe population, no information is available on Black lechwe antelopes. Thus this study was conducted to investigate tuberculosis in Black lechwe antelopes of the Bangweulu swamps in comparison with the Kafue lechwe antelopes of Lochinvar.FindingsA total of 44 lechwe antelopes (Black (n = 30): Kafue (n = 14) were sampled from Bangweulu and Lochinvar respectively. A positive case was defined with findings of gross lesions with Ziehl Nielsen and culture confirmation. Out of the 14 animals examined in Lochinvar, 21.4% [95% CI: 15.4, 44.4%] had necropsy lesions consistent with tuberculosis. The corresponding samples from 30 Black lechwe of Bangweulu yielded negative results on all the three tests.ConclusionsCurrent findings from this study intimate the possible absence of tuberculosis in Black lechwe antelopes whilst confirming the presence of tuberculosis in Kafue lechwe of the Kafue basin. The absence of tuberculosis in the Black lechwe suggests that the observed population decline may not be caused by tuberculosis. However, without detailed molecular epidemiological studies it is not possible to determine the association of M. bovis infection in sympatric animal populations. The possible role of transmission of tuberculosis between wildlife and cattle is discussed herein. Findings

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in cattle and lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) at the slaughter house

The detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in food-producing animals is critical to human health. In this study we applied the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system to detect &lt;em&gt;Mycobacterium tuberculosis&lt;/em&gt; complex (MTC) directly in 57 cattle and six lechwe (&lt;em&gt;Kobus leche kafuensis&lt;/em&gt;) carcasses exhibiting lesions characteristic of TB. The samples were first subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy, followed by culture and LAMP assay. In addition, multiplex-PCR was used to determine the species involved. Of the samples from the cattle, 84.2% (95% confidence interval: 71.6-92.1) were found positive with Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy, 93.0% (95% confidence interval: 82.2-97.7) with culture, and 94.7% (95% confidence interval: 84.5-98.6) with the LAMP system while the&lt;em&gt; Kobus leche kafuensis&lt;/em&gt; samples were all positive for all techniques used. These results indicate that the LAMP system can be used to augment the detection and surveillance of TB in animals; hence can be a very useful tool in the veterinary field and in public health.

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in cattle and lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) at the slaughter house

The detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in food-producing animals is critical to human health. In this study we applied the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) directly in 57 cattle and six lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) carcasses exhibiting lesions characteristic of TB. The samples were first subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy, followed by culture and LAMP assay. In addition, multiplex-PCR was used to determine the species involved. Of the samples from the cattle, 84.2% (95% confidence interval: 71.6-92.1) were found positive with Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy, 93.0% (95% confidence interval: 82.2-97.7) with culture, and 94.7% (95% confidence interval: 84.5-98.6) with the LAMP system while the Kobus leche kafuensis samples were all positive for all techniques used. These results indicate that the LAMP system can be used to augment the detection and surveillance of TB in animals; hence can be a very useful tool in the veterinary field and in public health.