Clare Speedy, [03 Feb 2023 at 08:31:13]: Anyone know the protocol for testing for TB in lions ? And how accurate is it ? Roy Bengis, [03 Feb 2023 at 09:09:08]: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is an important DD. Adrian Tordiffe, [03 Feb 2023 at 16:11:33]: I would speak to Michele Miller about their interferon gamma blood assay. Is it for a suspected case or for translocation? I would not recommend intra dermal skin testing. Clare Speedy, [06 Feb 2023 at 14:32:41]: Hi Roy, this is for a zoo in Berlin where 1 lion died of confirmed TB, now they want to test the others - how accurate is skin tests and PCR and does feline IGRA tests for domestic cats work? Or Elisa ? Any help would be appreciated, or if you can put me in contact with someone that is doing TB research in lions. Thanks. Roy Bengis, [06 Feb 2023 at 15:56:54]: Hi Clare, the skin test with some modifications such as double dose of tuberculin and reaction measurement cut off points showed acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the infected Kruger lion population. Dewald Keet and I published this in 2010 and I can send you an electronic copy if you send me your email address. Michele Miller and colleagues published on Oct and culture results on bronchial washings from Kruger lions. I can also send you this paper. With regards to blood based tests, Michele has also done significant research and I suggest that you contact her directly. Cell phone 073 8129141. Email: michelemiller@gmail.com Richard Burroughs, Roy, as far as I am aware, the skin test is considered the gold standard by DALRRD. If you could post a copy of your 2010 publication, that would be great, Roy Bengis, [06 Feb 2023 at 16:47:55]: Thanks Richard, you are correct regarding the gold standard. Richard Burroughs, Adrian, you have expressed reservations about the skin test in lions. What are the problems that you have found with this test? Clare Speedy, [08 Feb 2023 at 11:20:40]: Hi Adrian, a lion in Germany died and was confirmed positive for Mycoplasma bovis. The vet is now wanting to test various groups of lions that had been in contact with this lion to see if others infected. I have forwarded her Michelle’s details and hopefully can get her onto telegram as well Adrian Tordiffe, [08 Feb 2023 at 11:54:46]: The high percentage of false positives is a concern especially when you have to decide to kill animals based on those results alone. You also have to immobilize them twice, clip the area properly and have some experience with using the callipers to get reliable measurements.
