Molecular Characterisation of the Causing Bovine Tuberculosis Outbreaks in Poland.

INTRODUCTION

Since 2009, Poland has been recognised as a country officially free of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), although in each year of the last five there were from 8 to 18 outbreaks of the disease. In 2008-2016, the largest number of cattle infected with bovine mycobacteria were eliminated in the Masovian Province (the central region of Poland) and the largest number of outbreaks of this zoonosis were recorded in this area. The close proximity of farms where bTB was found led to the suspicion that tuberculosis could have been transmitted between the affected herds. The aim of the study was the molecular characterisation of the pertinent / strains and determination of the epidemiological relationship of various bTB outbreaks.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The material for microbiological tests came from 119 cattle () from nine herds located in five provinces, neighbouring the Masovian Province.

RESULTS

Laboratory tests of tissue material gave results confirming tuberculosis in 54 (45%) animals. All strains belonged to the species. A two-step analysis of genetic affinity allowed 50 strains to be identified as phylogenetically closely related and separated between three genetic clusters consisting of 2 to 27 strains.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of genotyping, bTB outbreaks were found in three herds, and three transmission chains were identified among these herds.