Avian tuberculosis in Rhea americana (Ñandú) in captivity in Uruguay. Bacteriologic and molecular diagnosis

Abstract

In Uruguay, throughout 2001-2005, 262 samples of Rhea americana (Ñandú) from abattoirs under Veterinary Inspection belonging to productive farms were studied. The organs studied were liver and spleen. Standardized bacteriological studies of baciloscopy, isolation and biochemical tests were carried out, corroborating the results with techniques of molecular biology. Granulomatosis injuries were found in 72 samples. From 24 organs without injuries 24 mycobacterium were isolated. A total of 79 mycobacterium were isolated: 77 M. avium avium, 1 M. intracellulare and 1 stock of fast growth, M. vaccae. For eradication of bovine tuberculosis is important to consider the interspecies transmission. Prevention against M. avium infection in dairy production stocks is essential. Finally health of rural employees, veterinarian and immunedepresses individuals must be preserved in areas of these sort of productive farms.