Tuberculosis
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Example |
|
| Can I still use the animal |
Yes - take safety precautions
|
| Commonly infected wildlife |
Cattle, Bison, Cervids, Birds
|
| Is this animal infected |
- This is a rare, slowly progressing disease
- Infected animals may have no signs or be in poor body condition
- Small, multiple, round, gritty lumps in lymph nodes and on lungs and rib cage are typical
|
| Can I get it |
Yes
- Inhaling bacteria from open wounds, fluids from the mouth and nose, or feces of an infected animal
- Directly through breaks in the skin (rare)
|
| How bad can it get |
Gets worse with time; fatal if untreated
|
| How can I protect myself and others |
- If you see multiple pale (tan or yellow) rounded lumps on lungs, rib cage or internal organs in bison or cervids:
- STOP HANDLING THE ANIMAL
- Wash your hands
- Wear a proper filter mask
- Contact The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, or State Department of Health
|
| Symptoms in humans |
- Depending on where lesions are located:
- Lungs – Prolonged illness with fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss; Occasionally will cough up blood
- Intestines – Stomach pain, diarrhea
- Symptoms get worse with time
- Untreated disease can be FATAL, seek medical attention
- Immunosuppressed people are at a higher risk
|
| Is it safe for pets |
No |
| What causes it |
- Bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis in cattle, elk and deer and Mycobacterium avium in birds
|
