Transmission of Mycobacterium bovis from experimentally infected ferrets to non-infected ferrets (Mustela furo)

Abstract

Aims: To demonstrate the transmission of Mycobacterium bovis infection from experimentally infected ferrets (Mustela furo) to non-infected ferrets in a laboratory setting, using three different isotypes of M. bovis, and to observe ferret behaviour that might be implicated in disease transmission.

Methods: Three female ferrets, each experimentally infected with a unique strain of M. bovis, were housed together with six female and two male non-infected ferrets in an isolation facility. Transmission of infection was monitored clinically, serologically (using an ELISA test), bacteriologically, histologically, and by isotype analysis of M. bovis isolates using spoligotyping to determine whether or not transmission of each strain occurred. Ferret behaviour was observed using a time-lapse video recorder.

Results: Transmission of M. bovis infection was confirmed in two male and four female ferrets. Isotype analysis showed that of the experimentally infected females, one did not infect any other ferret, another transmitted M. bovis to one ferret before it died prematurely 49 days post-infection, and the third, which was cannibalised, appears to have transmitted M. bovis to both males and three females. However, two of these latter three females had died before the event of cannibalism took place. One female was infected with two strains. Several behavioural interactions were observed that could have resulted in M. bovis transmission, including den sharing, sniffing of orifices and faeces, cannibalism and aggressive breeding behaviour.

Conclusions: Horizontal transmission of M. bovis infection was demonstrated in ferrets under experimental housing conditions. Routes of transmission may involve cannibalism and factors such as den sharing, playing, fighting, mating, and sniffing of faeces.