Abstract
Introduction. Tuberculosis (TB) is a widespread disease known to affect livestock and wildlife, as well as humans. However, its
incidence in wildlife remains poorly recognized on the global level. In Europe, the majority of TB cases have been confirmed
in red deer, badgers and wild boar.
Objective. The aim of the study was to examine the occurrence of TB in Cervidae in Poland, in areas where TB has been
detected in cattle and wildlife.
Materials and method Head and thoracic lymph nodes were collected from a total of 76 free-living red deer (Cervus
elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), from nine Polish provinces during a single hunting season (autumn – winter
2018–19). Samples were subjected to conventional microbiological procedures to isolate mycobacteria.
Results. No Mycobacteria was isolated in the material collected from red or roe deer.
Conclusions. There is a need to continue monitoring the presence of TB in cattle and other animal species to ensure the
protection of public health.
Key words
red deer, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, roe deer, Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus, wildlife, public health
protection, Mycobacterium caprae.